India, March 3 -- Over two lakh girls across 250 districts nationwide will compete in ASMITA athletics events on March 8 and 9 to mark International Women's Day, Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse announced on Monday, advocating increased participation of women in sports to bolster India's 2036 Olympic bid.

The event, which is a part of the Sports Ministry's initiative, will also set the ball rolling for the creation of a pool of women technical officials across the country, keeping in mind the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and India's bid to become an Olympic host.

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8.

ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) is a part of the Khelo India Scheme's missio...