Pan-India initiative for girls football launched

On the occasion of the National Girl Child Day, Nurturing Excellence in Sports Trust (NEST) along with National Yuva Cooperative Society (NYCS) today launched 'Khelegi toh Khilegi', a pan-India football based programme for girls between the age of 10 to 15 years.
The first event was held amid much fanfare at Thyagaraj Stadium in the capital where over 700 girls took part from across Delhi NCR.
The programme was flagged off by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and MP Meenakshi Lekhi.
'Khelegi toh Khilegi' aims at developing girls football in the country, with an intention to empower the girl child and using football as a tool to break gender stereotypes, improve self-esteem and develop leadership skills.

Starting from Delhi, the initiative will be held at 15 cities across India in the first year. Apart from identifying talent amongst these girls, Khelegi toh Khilegi will also be providing training to them with the objective of seeing them represent India at global sporting events like the World Cup and Olympic Games.
Simultaneous workshops will also be organised, where issues relating to the girl child will be addressed.
Speaking at the launch, Pradhan said, "In line with the efforts around 'Beti Bachao Beti Padao', Khelegi toh Khilegi is a welcome step in the field of sports. I congratulate all the people and organisations involved in this wonderful initiative."

Addressing the workshop during the launch, Lekhi said, "I thank all the brothers who have come forward to support their sisters. Sports can go a long way to bring about a positive change and I'm happy to be here today.