Guwahati: Woman footballer Manisha Kalyan inspired young players at the ASMITA under-13 girls football league at Nehru Stadium, Guwahati, on Friday. Manisha, the only Indian to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, called ASMITA a “rare platform for girls to chase their football dreams.”
She urged the eight participating teams to work hard and play more matches to improve. “Five years from now, one of you may play for Assam and India,” she said.
Two Assam talents, Rekha Kataki and Dosomi Rowtia, joined her at the event. Both started in ASMITA — Dosomi is now in the national camp, while Rekha has captained North East United FC in the Indian Women’s League.
ASMITA leagues have grown rapidly in the North-east, with 25 football leagues held last season and 852 leagues planned in 15 sports for 2025-26. The Union Sports Ministry also plans to add a North-East-specific Games to the Khelo India calendar.