In a mega opening ceremony at JLN Stadium, New Delhi on Friday, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur launched the Khelo India Dus ka Dum event.
In a release issued by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), North East Regional Centre (NERC), the tournament was kicked off simultaneously in over 50 cities across India. It was organised as a part of the International Women’s Day 2023 celebrations.
The release further stated that Dus ka Dum initiative will provide even more exposure to thousands of women across the nation. Nearly 15,000 athletes participated in the tournament across 26 states in 50 cities of India from March 10 to 31, 2023. A total of 10 sports will be featured in the event.
The mega opening was attended by almost 2000 women athletes as participants and campers, Sh Sandip Pradhan, Director General, Sports Authority as well as other dignitaries from the Union Sports Ministry and SAI were also present, the release stated.
“Hai dum to Badhao kadam is the tagline of the Khelo India Dus ka Dum event and it is another major step we have taken to empower women through sports,” mentioned Thakur.
“SAI’s endeavour to organize Women’s Leagues across 14 sports all over the country since many months has given opportunity to 20,000 strong women athletes to get the exposure and empowerment they need. I am happy that these leagues have found profound success,” the Union minister added.
Citing examples of elite athletes like Mary Kom and PV Sindhu, Shri Thakur said, “From Mary Kom to Lovlina to Nikhat and PV Sindhu to Saina Nehwal, these girls have given their all to bring glory to India time and again. Now tournaments like these will give rise to more such superstars. We are doing everything to provide the best of tournaments and playfields, now it’s time for all the women to show their mettle.”
The release further added that the one youngest participant, an eight-year-old track and field athlete from Delhi became one of the major highlights of the event.
The event includes Kho Kho, Wushu, Wrestling, Fencing, Archery, Swimming, Basketball, Judo, Athletics and Yogasana, it added.
