NCW Launches Khel Shakti Initiative to Empower Women Athletes

New Delhi, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : The National Commission for Women (NCW), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is set to host a national consultation titled “Khel Shakti: National Consultation for Women in Sports” on November 2 in New Delhi. The event will take place at Vigyan Bhawan, with the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, serving as the chief guest. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will also be in attendance, emphasizing the importance of institutional commitment to promoting women’s participation, safety, equality, and leadership in sports.

The consultation aims to bring together key stakeholders from the sports community to discuss the challenges faced by female athletes. It will also identify measures to strengthen institutional mechanisms for their safety, welfare, participation, and professional development.

India’s sports landscape has witnessed a significant transformation, with women athletes emerging as some of the country’s most successful competitors on both national and international stages. However, maintaining consistent participation and excellence requires a supportive environment that addresses challenges such as access to sports opportunities, nutrition, healthcare, safety, respect, mental health, infrastructure, remuneration, maternity protection, and representation in sports administration.

The national consultation will provide a platform for athletes, Olympians, sports administrators, coaches, representatives from national sports federations, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), medical and sports science experts, academics, civil society organizations, parents of female athletes, and other stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions. They will work towards developing practical, actionable, and institutionally accountable recommendations.

Discussions will revolve around three main themes: expanding women’s participation and strengthening grassroots sports environments; ensuring a safe, healthy, and supportive atmosphere in sports; and promoting equality, career continuity, and women’s leadership in the field.

A key focus will be on addressing systemic barriers in sports and providing institutional support to female athletes throughout their careers. Through this initiative, the NCW aims to advance the discourse from “participation” to “sustained participation,” from “individual achievements” to “athlete welfare,” and from “representation” to “meaningful institutional reforms.” The ultimate goal is to create a sports ecosystem where women can fulfill their sporting dreams with safety, respect, equal opportunities, and institutional support.