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Key Points

Indian football star Manisha Kalyan praised the ASMITA league for nurturing young female talent during her visit to Guwahati. She emphasized the growing football ecosystem in North East India, citing emerging players like Rekha Kataki and Dosomi Rowtia. Kalyan also welcomed the upcoming Khelo India North East Games as a major boost for regional sports. With ASMITA expanding rapidly, grassroots football is thriving, backed by government initiatives.

Key Points: Manisha Kalyan Praises ASMITA League for Empowering Young Girls in Football

  • Manisha Kalyan highlights ASMITA as a key grassroots initiative for young girls
  • Emerging talents Rekha Kataki and Dosomi Rowtia showcase Assam’s football potential
  • North East India’s football leagues have grown five-fold since 2022-23
  • Khelo India North East Games to boost regional sports development
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Manisha Kalyan says ASMITA leagues a rare platform to shine; Khelo India North East Games will be an 'excellent initiative'

Indian football star Manisha Kalyan hails ASMITA league as a rare platform for young talent while endorsing Khelo India North East Games.

"You now have a platform like ASMITA, and the more quality matches you play, the better you will get. – Manisha Kalyan"

Guwahati, August 8

India's star woman footballer Manisha Kalyan was the cynosure of all eyes at the ASMITA under-13 league for girls here at Nehru Stadium on Friday. Manisha, the only Indian footballer to have played in the UEFA Champions League for women, said ASMITA is a "rare platform for young girls to realise their football dreams."

"I am still dreaming of playing in the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, and after we qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia next year, our belief has been bolstered. You now have a platform like ASMITA, and the more quality matches you play, the better you will get," the 23-year-old Manisha told the eight teams taking part in the Guwahati leg of ASMITA, aimed at scouting talent at the grassroots level across India.

Manisha was present alongside two emerging talents from Assam - Rekha Kataki and Dosomi Rowtia. Both Rekha and Dosomi are products of the ASMITA league and are making their presence felt in Assam football in a major way. While Dosomi has made it to the national camp, Rekha has captained North East United Football Club in the Indian Women's League Division 2.

"Football is in the genes of North-East people. I grew up watching Bala Devi and now 11 of my colleagues in the senior national team are from this region. This only shows how much talent is present here. Maybe, five years from now, one of these kids will play for Assam and then India. Just work hard and only think about football. The ecosystem is surely developing and with the government's support, we can only do better," said Punjab-girl Manisha.

ASMITA's sports activities are growing each year. In the North-east alone, football leagues have increased five-fold since the 2022-23 season. In 2024-25, 25 different football leagues were played under the sports ministry's 'Sports for Women' scheme, with 1615 girls taking part.

Sports in North-east India is a focus area for the Union Sports Ministry. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, has already announced that a North-East-specific Games will be added to the Khelo India calendar.

"That will be a great addition. Not only football, this region is contributing to all sports, and to give them more exposure is the right way to go," said Manisha, who has played professionally in Cyprus and Greece. She is the only Indian woman to have scored a goal against Brazil in an international football tournament in November 2021.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While I appreciate the initiative, I hope they're also focusing on proper infrastructure and long-term career support. Many talented players fade away after their playing days because there's no system to absorb them as coaches or administrators.
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Aryan P
Northeast India has always been a powerhouse of football talent! Great to see government recognizing this. Maybe soon we'll have our own Messi or Ronaldo from Manipur or Mizoram! #FootballRevolution
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Sarah B
As someone who's worked in sports development, I can say ASMITA is one of the most well-structured grassroots programs in India. The numbers speak for themselves - 1615 participants is impressive! Hope they expand to other states too.
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Nisha Z
Manisha Kalyan is such an inspiration! Scoring against Brazil and playing in UEFA Champions League - our girls are making India proud on global stage. Parents should encourage their daughters to take up sports seriously.
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Karthik V
The Khelo India North East Games is a brilliant idea! Finally giving proper recognition to sporting talent from the region. Hope they include traditional games like archery and martial arts too - that would be unique!

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