Pune-based Army Sports Institute training female athletes: Lt Gen A K Singh

Pune-based Army Sports Institute will be imparting rigorous training to young female athletes to help them compete at national and international level, Lt General Ajai Kumar Singh, General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command said on Sunday.

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Altogether 30 girls have been enrolled and will begin training at the institute in May, Lt Gen Singh said in an interview, on the eve of the Southern Command celebrating its 130th Raising Day on April 1.

The army's initiative will contribute significantly to the holistic development of the sports landscape in India and also underscores the significance of gender equality and inclusivity in sports, Lt Gen Singh said.

The newly-established Army Girls Sports Company aims at nurturing girl talent in archery, athletics, boxing and weightlifting, the top army commander said.

The Army Sports Institute is one of the two centres of excellence identified for this initiative. The other centre is Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow.

The selected girls will undergo rigorous training and compete at both national and international levels, offering them the opportunity to demonstrate their prowess and bring honour to the nation.