Khelo Vanita –

A Sports for Women initiative

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Table of Contents

Introduction..........................................................................................................................................3
Need – Understating the current uptake of sports by women in India.........................................3
Benefits of a dedicated “Sports for Women” initiative....................................................................3
Broad Objectives of “Sports for Women” initiative..........................................................................4
Operationalising “Sports for Women” through Khelo India............................................................4
Implementation Mechanism...........................................................................................................5
Tournament Structure....................................................................................................................5
Khelo Vanita Annual Sports Calendar..........................................................................................5
Current Participation and Sports Disciplines Covered...................................................................6
Safety measures at the Venue..........................................................................................................7
Women specific safety protocols.......................................................................................................7
Sanctioned Budget for Women’s League........................................................................................8
Way Forward.......................................................................................................................................9
Allied activities.................................................................................................................................9
Fund support through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).................................................9
Exploring Partnerships.................................................................................................................10
Suggestive options for SFW umbrella initiatives.......................................................................10
Annexure 1 : SOP document with roles and responsibility and event planning checklist.......11
Roles and Responsibility..............................................................................................................11
Planning Checklist........................................................................................................................13

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3
Introduction

Over the years, performance of women athletes of India has been pivotal in transforming the
perception of women sports in India. There has been a gradual increase in the total number
of women heading to the Olympics event each time. While there were 21 women in 2000, 25
in 2004, 25 in 2008, 23 in 2012 it more than doubled to 54 in 2016 while the contingent
competing in the Tokyo in 2020 had 57 women out of the 128 athletes.
In the five summer Olympics in the 21st century, including the Tokyo Games, 6 out of the 14
individual medals so far have been won by female athletes who are always smaller in
numbers compared to male athletes.
Moreover, it has also been noted that involvement by female athletes benefits the nation in
sporting events like the Summer Olympic Games. Since these sporting nations have
achieved gender equality and increased female participation, they are able to improve their
overall results in such competitions. More female athletes participating in the events, means
more medals that will be brought home.
It is evident that to ensure India becomes a sporting powerhouse, increasing female podium
finishes is essential. Hence, a structured approach in this direction with a focus on
grassroots engagement for women is crucial for India.

Need – Understating the current uptake of sports by women in India

As per a BBC research report1 of 2020, less than 30% of Indian women play any sports as
compared with over 40% men who have played sports. The overall uptake of sports by
women is less than men.
However, in Khelo India Games from 2018 to 2020 there has been an increase of 161% in
women participation. From 657 identified female athletes being supported under the Khelo
India scheme in 2018, the number has increased 223% and gone up to 1471.
The momentum which has been witnessed needs to be continued further. The government
and society as a whole must work together to promote women in sport by bringing young
girls outside, in a safe environment, and allowing them to experience physical activity with
good quality coaching and infrastructure.

Benefits of a dedicated “Sports for Women” initiative

Women derive many health benefits from an active lifestyle. Involvement in sport and
physical activity contributes to the physical movement capacities of girls, the health status of
their bodies, the values and ethical behaviours they develop and their personal development
of a unique identity.
Participation in sport and physical activity can also facilitate good mental health for women of
all ages.
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https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/indian-women-play-any-sports

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In addition to improvements in health, women and girls stand to gain specific social benefits
from participation in sport and physical activity.
Sport provides women and girls with an alternative avenue for participation in the social and
cultural life of their communities and promotes enjoyment of freedom of expression,
interpersonal networks, new opportunities and increased self-esteem.
It also expands opportunities for education and for the development of a range of essential
life skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork and negotiation.
Through a dedicated “Sports for Women” initiative government aims to provide a platform
which will disseminate the positive benefits of taking up sports and associated support
mechanism provided through Khelo India to promote women participation in sports.
Women’s leagues in various disciplines can be conducted in collaboration with the National
Sports Federations, to increase the participation of women in sport.
Through these leagues talent can be identified and competition exposure to women athletes
of the different age groups can be provided.

Broad Objectives of “Sports for Women” initiative

The “Sports for Women” initiative will look to achieve following objectives:-
i. To increase the participation of women in Sports by organising various leagues
ii. To utilise the leagues as a platform for Identification of new talents and evaluation of
existing Khelo India athletes
iii. To provide competition exposure to women athletes of different age categories
across the Country
iv. To disseminate the positive benefits of taking up sports and associated support
mechanism provided through Khelo India to promote women participation in sports

Operationalising “Sports for Women” through Khelo India

Under Khelo India scheme, the component of “Sports for Women” aims for a holistic
approach towards awareness about female health and fitness and thereby promoting sports
among women.It envisions to infuse sports culture and achieve sporting excellence through
mass participation of women in sports. Emphasis is laid on such sports disciplines where
there is less participation of women so that a greater number of women participate in such
sports disciplines.
Robust competition structure in sports paves the way for excellence and identification of
talent for podium finish. Besides, excellence, competition is important for development of
sporting culture.
Through dedicated leagues for women under multiple sports disciplines, women will be
provided with an opportunity to pursue the sports of their choice at national level.

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Sports Authority of India will provide Financial Assistance to IOA, NSFs, Government
Agencies, stakeholders etc. and monitor all aspects related to the conduct of such women
specific competitions.

Implementation Mechanism

Proposals from proponent organisations like the National Sports Federation will be accepted
to conduct Khelo India Women leagues under different age categories.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document outlining the standard framework for
organising sports events is attached in Annexure 1.
The SOP document also outlines the roles & responsibilities of various stakeholders involved
in organising the event. The proponent organisation is eligible to received grants-in-aid for
technical conduct, administrative expenses, and prize money to facilitate such events.

Tournament Structure

Each sports discipline will have its tournament for each age category in a phased manner
covering all zones/regions in India. The top teams/individuals from these zone/regions will
eventually compete in the National level tournament. The team composition and nomination
will be decided as per the norms laid out by respective National Sports Federations.

Khelo Vanita Annual Sports Calendar

The women’s competitions across multiple sports disciplines and for various age groups will
be spread over the calendar year. At any given point of time, some or the other women
centric competitions will take place. An indicative calendar for events under the Sports for
Women component of Khelo India scheme is shown below:

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Current Participation and Sports Disciplines Covered

As of now, National Sports Federations (NSFs) from 14 sports disciplines have come
forward and expressed their intent to conduct multi-tiered competitions/ leagues. These
competitions cover women athletes from multiple age groups like, junior, U-17 and U-21 age
categories. The list of disciplines in which NSFs have actively started work for women sports
development activities are shown below:

Till date 102 sports events across multiple age categories have been held so far, with
cumulative participation of 15,366 female athletes.

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Safety measures at the Venue

 Safe and secure transport should be arranged for the participating students and escort from
stay venue to game venue.
 Fire safety measure must be functional at stay venue and play venue.
 Water tanks, septic tanks, drains and deep pits at the games and stay venue should be
closed to avoid any untoward incidents.
 Security guard and CCTV cameras must be functional round the clock at dining area,
common places and corridor etc.
 Medical facilities/ medical assistance must be arranged at stay & play venue at all times. If
any emergency, it should be referred to nearby Hospital immediately
 Electrical switches, wires, electric points and appliances must be checked so that incidents of
short circuit etc. are avoided.
 Before the games the stay venue should be fumigated and pest control measures be taken.
The area should be cleaned and extra vegetation, grass, bushes etc. removed, Cleanliness
should be ensured at all times.
 Important Contact numbers must be displayed prominently on notice boards and other
frequently used places and a copy should be given to all escorting staff
 24-hour help desk should be available at stay venue so that students/ escort can contact
them at any time in case of emergency /any problem.
 The staff helpdesk staff should have telephone facility/ mobile number to contact.
 A Register should be maintained in which complaints are noted along with action taken and
date and time of redressal

Women specific safety protocols

 Adequate female friendly changing rooms and toilets to be setup at the competition venue
 Female security personnel and doctors should be made available throughout the competition

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Sanctioned Budget for Women’s League

The total sanctioned amount for conducting women’s league in 14 sports disciplines is INR
21.7 Crores.
Discipline wise sanctioned amount is as under

SN Discipline Total Sanctioned Amount (INR in lakhs)

1 Hockey 155.92

2 Archery 74.748

3 Weightlifting 189.67625

4 Cycling 202.84975

5 Boxing 357.7

6 Swimming 101.4

7 Wrestling 159.14

8 Volleyball 145.53

9 Judo 174.305

10 Kho-Kho 54.25

11 Kabaddi 74.16

12 Fencing 153.94

13 Wushu 101.46

14 Football 232

  TOTAL 2177.079

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Way Forward

Allied activities

Besides the usual path of conducting sporting competitions across various disciplines,
additional activities which may be explored under the Sports for Women component are
mentioned below:

- Free skill program for women like Masseur, Fitness instructor, etc.
- Development programs/ certifications for Female coaches
- Establishing social sports programs for women
- Conducting corporate leagues, inter-society leagues specifically for Women
- Motivational stories on female athletes
- Marathons specifically for Women athletes
- Campaigns promoting Sports

Fund support through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Funding through CSR route can be a suitable opportunity for corporates to run campaigns
across women themed events. Some options for obtaining CSR funding are listed below:

- Women Led Start Ups

- Women centric brands endorsing sports Like Lakme, Sugar, Myntra through
campaigns
- Health and Fitness Brands to endorse sports (Decathlon, Nike, Adidas, Jockey,
Skechers)
- Banking campaigns
- Campaigns with support from FICCI, CII, and other similar organisations
- Jewellery Brands

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Exploring Partnerships

Apart from conducting competitions/leagues, partnership opportunities may be explored in

the following thematic areas:

- Approaching Women Empowerment NGOs and self-help groups

- Help from Ministry of Women and Child Development to promote sports
- Collaboration with schools, colleges to promote women in sports.
- Linking with hospitals and dieticians to endorse usefulness of sports
- Team bonding sport activities for women in the corporate sector
- Marathons and run for charity events
- Distribution of sports equipment like skipping ropes, etc. by state authorities
- Exhibitions selling sports equipment at subsidized rates.
- Endorsing sports on women centric days like Women’s Day and Mother’s Day

Suggestive options for SFW umbrella initiatives

1. Project SWARN – Sports for Women initiatives for maximum reach nationwide
2. Project PRATIBHA – Initiatives for women led excellence in Sports

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Annexure 1 : SOP document with roles and responsibility and event
planning checklist

Roles and Responsibility

1. SAI/Khelo India
• Finalization of the structure of the league/tournament and location in
consultation with the respective National Sports Federation (NSF).
• To provide funding to the Federations as per the norms.
• Approval for technical conduct of the match, branding, back drop, perimeter
board, logo size, position etc.
• Finalization of list of invitees in consultation with NSFs for Opening/Finals.
• Approval of any other element (residuary) not mentioned above

2. Responsibility of SAI Regional Centres (RCs):

• To constitute a coordination team of 3 members to liaise with state sports
department, NSFs, State associations.
• Ensuring invites to local MPs/MLAs and state officials
• Local support, guidance and coordination
• Ensure Khelo India branding is adequately covered as per approved protocols
• In case of opening / closing / prize ceremony being organized, ensure the
event is adequately covered in local media

3. State Government
• To provide playfields (without rentals or with rentals to be managed by the
authorities)
• Arrangement of medical facilities, including ambulance at the venue
• To provide all permissions/ clearance regarding conduct of the league.
• Assisting the State Associations/ district Associations in raising the funds to
run the league / tournament.
• Local publicity through Out-of-Home (OOH) / Municipal wards / Radio, etc.
• Ensuring adequate security during the event

4. National Sports Federation

• NSFs with the help of its units will run the Leagues/Tournaments. The cities/
locations of the league will be finalized by the Federation in consultation with
SAI.
• Recce of venues for equipment and other requirements.
• Ensure registration of the teams/participants, schedule of matches, results,
management of database and publicity etc.
• Responsible for the entire conduct and organization of the
league/tournament. NSFs will come up with the minimum benchmark and
ensure the same are followed.

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 • Technical conduct to be ensured through qualified Referees, Technical
Officials and Competitions Managers. Games Technical Conduct Committee
(GTCC) may be formed accordingly.
• Endeavour to production & broadcast of the entire tournament including
ceremonies and presentations by means of sponsorship / partnership
• Ensuring recruitment of sufficient volunteers and their general and sports
specific training.
• Supervise the league, maintain and audit of accounts and timely submission
of Utilization Certificates etc.
• Arrange the details of the winners (including financial account)
• At liberty to raise the sponsorship to support the league.
• All registrations and other related information to be updated on National
Sports Repository System (NSRS) portal

5. Participating Team / Individual participant(s)

• The team/participant to manage local travel, refreshment, medical kit, etc. on
its own
• If the team/participant is from outstation, accommodation and transportation
to be managed at their own cost
• If the teams own the ground, the same shall be provided free of cost to the
organizers.
• The team should have a coach and manager.
• It is expected that the teams are trained regularly to raise the standard of the
game.

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Planning Checklist

1. Pre-competition

Activity Responsibility
 Finalization of tournament structure and format with dates NSF
 Approval of tournament structure, format with dates SAI
 Budget of the tournament NSF
 Approval of budget SAI
 Deputation of Technical Officials, Competition Managers, NSF
referees and support staff
 Venue finalization and inspection NSF + SAI
 Finalize branding elements, creatives, etc. NSF
 Approve branding elements, creatives, etc. SAI
 Regulatory approvals (Police, Municipality, Fire Dept., NSF
State Govt., etc.)
 Finalization of medical facilities, doctors, ambulance, etc.
 All permissions / clearances State Govt.
 Finalizing sponsorship structure NSF
 Approve Sponsorship structure SAI
 FOP readiness NSF
 Identification & training of volunteers NSF
 Participant invitations & registrations NSF
 Communication of schedule to participants NSF
 Indemnity waiver from participants NSF
 Designing Opening Ceremony NSF
 Approval of opening ceremony format SAI
 List of dignitaries and invitations NSF + SAI

2. During competition

Activity Responsibility
 FOP readiness NSF
 Availability of internet connection for upstreaming, etc. NSF
 Arrangement of medical facilities, staff including State Govt.
ambulance
 Changing rooms, toilets, etc. NSF
 Opening Ceremony management NSF
 Spectator management, protocol management NSF
 Fixtures sheet NSF
 Referees, technical officials, support staff NSF
 Result Management NSF
 Clean & Waste management NSF
 Dispute resolution NSF
 Photography / Videography NSF
 Prize distribution NSF
 Collecting information of participants including bank NSF
account details & NSRS updation
 Designing & executing Closing Ceremony NSF
 Approval of Closing Ceremony SAI

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 Security protocol during the event State Govt.

3. Post-competition

Activity Responsibility
 DBT transfer to winners SAI
 Venue wrap-up NSF
 Post tournament press release NSF
 Submission of UCs NSF
 Settlement of UCs SAI
 Post tournament report NSF

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