Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today said that the Khelo India ASMITA Women League has significantly increased the number of female athletes participating in national events. The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed 300-bed girls’ hostel at Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education, an Academic Wing of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

Mr. Mandaviya urged athletes not to view sports as merely a path to a government job, stressing that they should play for the country, win medals, and bring glory to the nation. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panch Pran, highlighting that winning a medal brings honour not just to the individual and their loved ones but to the entire country, which collectively takes pride in such achievements. The hostel is constructed under the Khelo India creation and upgrade of infrastructure projects.

As part of the event, the Union Minister felicitated sportspersons who have represented India in the Olympics, Asiad, and other international games. Arjuna awardees Padmini Thomas, S Omanakumari, Geethu Anna Jose, Saji Thomas, and V Diju received the honour from the Minister.