SPORTS NEWS

At the Godavari Engineering College Ground in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, inaugurated the Khelo India ASMITA Football League 2025-26, an important component of the Khelo India national sports development programme. The ASMITA League stands for Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action. It is a dedicated initiative under the broader Khelo India framework aimed at boosting women’s participation in sports, especially at the grassroots level. The league forms part of the Khelo Bharat Niti, which focuses on inclusive sports development across the country. The football league was launched at the Godavari Engineering College Ground, bringing together aspiring young female footballers from the region. The tournament featured girls aged 13 and under, including both first-time players and those with competitive experience, providing them a platform to showcase and develop their football skills. While inaugurating the league, Raksha Nikhil Khadse highlighted the importance of sports infrastructure and competitive opportunities in empowering young women and fostering inclusivity in sports. She emphasised that this initiative is not just about competition but about breaking social barriers and unearthing “untapped talent” across tribal, rural, and minority communities.

The first project involves the construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex in Karad, awarded by the Public Works Department (West), Satara. Valued at approximately ₹88.03 crore, this facility will include modern amenities to support various sports and training activities. The project is scheduled to be completed within 24 months, not counting potential delays during the monsoon season. The second and larger contract is for building a Divisional Sports Complex in Jalgaon, commissioned by the Divisional Sports Complex Committee. With a budget of about ₹244.31 crore, this expansive complex will be developed over 36 months (excluding monsoon periods) and is intended to provide comprehensive facilities for athletes and sports events at the divisional level. According to Pradeep Khandagale, Chairman & Managing Director of Univastu India Ltd, these developments are envisioned as more than civil works — they are “an expression of India’s Olympic aspirations,” aimed at fostering sporting excellence, empowering local talent, and encouraging grassroots participation in sports. The facilities are expected to serve not only elite athletes but also young sportspeople and the wider community, helping build a stronger athletic ecosystem in the region. Univastu India Ltd, headquartered in Pune and listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), has steadily expanded its footprint in public infrastructure projects across Maharashtra and beyond. The company’s execution of these high-value sports projects demonstrates both its technical capability and the government’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure in smaller cities and districts

In August 2025, Jalgaon district in Maharashtra hosted the 38th National Under‑11 Chess Championship, a major national event for young chess talent from across India. The championship took place from 2 to 8 August 2025 at the Anubhūti School venue in Jain Hills, Shirsoli Road, Jalgaon under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation and with support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The event was inaugurated with grandeur by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, who formally declared the championship open during a ceremony attended by dignitaries including Member of Parliament Smita Wagh, leading chess officials, and sports association representatives. More than 550 young chess players from states and union territories such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and others converged in Jalgaon, with nearly **400 participants already holding official FIDE (International Chess Federation) ratings—a reflection of the event’s competitive standard. The championship was conducted in a Swiss League format over 11 rounds, allowing players to earn and improve international ratings while showcasing strategic skill and sportsmanship. Notable young players, including high‑rated participants, competed for top honours. A total prize fund of ₹8 lakhs was offered, with awards not only for champions and runners‑up, but also for commendable performances across the field—celebrating excellence and encouraging broader participation. In her keynote speech, Raksha Khadse emphasized the importance of nurturing sporting talent from a young age and highlighted government schemes like Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and Khelo India designed to strengthen grassroots sports culture and provide infrastructure for emerging athletes. The championship in Jalgaon not only provided a platform for future chess stars to compete at a high level, but also marked a significant milestone for the region in promoting youth sports and intellectual games, helping inspire the next generation of Indian chess talent.