The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Department of Sports & Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, concluded the “JICA–Assam Women’s Leadership & Coaching Empowerment Programme” at the Arjuna Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, Sarusajai, Guwahati, on Tuesday.
The week-long workshop (July 23–30) trained around 60 women coaches, athletes, and aspiring leaders from across Assam. Focused on the theme “Building a Kaizen Culture,” the programme aimed to instil leadership, inclusive coaching practices, and continuous improvement (Kaizen) in sports education. The modules—“Seeds of Leadership” and “Seeds of Change”—emphasised athlete-centered, value-driven coaching and leadership skills.
In Guwahati’s growing sports ecosystem, this initiative marks a strategic step in creating a pipeline of empowered women mentors and coaches. It is expected to inspire deeper community engagement and attract more women to leadership roles, contributing to a balanced gender landscape in sports. Led by Dr. Masamitsu Ito from Japan’s NSSU Coach Developer Academy, the sessions provided participants with hands-on mentorship and global best practices. JICA India Chief Representative TAKEUCHI Takuro praised the effort as a catalyst for sustainable cultural transformation and empowerment in Indian sports.