Photo Credits: All India Radio/ X 

Mumbai: A historic milestone in the realm of sports was achieved today with the inauguration of the Khelo India Sports Hostel and the Army Girls Sports Company at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. The ceremony was honored by the presence of distinguished guests including Gen Manoj Pandey PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff, Mr. Sandeep Pradhan, Director General of Sports Authority of India, and celebrated athlete Ms. Anju Bobby George.

The Khelo India Sports Hostel, a visionary initiative conceptualized and funded by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS), has now been integrated into the Army Sports Institute. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to offer world-class amenities and training opportunities for Khelo India athletes, aiming to elevate their performance on both national and international stages.Complementing this is the establishment of the Army Girls Sports Company, which is dedicated to four key sports disciplines: boxing, weightlifting, archery, and athletics. This company represents a significant commitment to nurturing female sports talent across India.

The recruitment process for the Army Girls Sports Company was extensive, with over 1000 young girls from all corners of the country participating in national-level trials. After a meticulous talent identification process, 24 outstanding candidates were selected for the inaugural batch. This initiative not only aims to hone raw talent but also provides a pathway for these talented female athletes to potentially join the Indian Army.

This is a proud moment for our nation as we strive towards providing better facilities and opportunities for our athletes, while also promoting gender parity in sports. The establishment of the Army Girls Sports Company and Khelo India Sports Hostel marks a significant step towards empowering young women in sports and achieving excellence in this field.

The inauguration of these facilities underscores Indian Army’s commitment to fostering athletic talent and enhancing the country's sports infrastructure. This landmark event promises to inspire and empower the next generation of female athletes, setting a robust foundation for future sports achievements, stated a press release.