ASMITA Sepak Takraw Women's League Held at Hatmuniguda

League Provides a New Platform for Female Sports Talent

CNB WORLD TIMES

The Khelo India–ASMITA Sepak Takraw Women's League 2026–27 was held at the sports ground of Hatmuniguda Government Girls' High School in Bissam Cuttack block of Rayagada district.

The league was organised by the Rayagada District Sepak Takraw Association under the ASMITA initiative of the Khelo India programme. ASMITA stands for Achieving Sports Milestones by Inspiring Women Through Action. The initiative aims to encourage women in sports, develop their skills and provide more opportunities for female athletes.

A total of 110 players registered online and took part in the competition. Participants from different schools across the district competed in Sepak Takraw, displaying their agility, power, teamwork and coordination.

Prabhas Shubhadarshan Mohanty, Vice-President of the Odisha Sepak Takraw Association, presided over the event. Pruthiraj Sahu, organiser and State General Secretary of the association, explained the rules and importance of the sport.

Samarpita Swain, Officer-in-Charge of Bissam Cuttack Police Station, attended the event as the chief guest.

Several distinguished guests were also present to encourage the players. They included Gitashree Naik, Headmistress of the school; Debi Prasad Patnaik, Bissam Cuttack Block Vice-Chairman; Rabindra Nath Panda, President of the Rayagada District Sepak Takraw Association; social worker Akshay Rana; sportsperson Shibaram Nayak; international referee Ramchandra Barik; and Sushant Kumar Shadangi, Secretary of the Sundargarh District Sepak Takraw Association.

Manoj Kumar Pradhan anchored the programme, while Priyabrata Mohanty delivered the vote of thanks.

The event was organised to celebrate women in sports and Nari Shakti. The league provided young female players with an opportunity to compete, improve their skills and gain experience in the sport.

Sports enthusiasts and local residents welcomed the initiative and expressed enthusiasm over the participation of young female athletes.