Women who desire to pursue athletic careers confront several challenges and misconceptions because sports have traditionally been dominated by men. India, a country with a lengthy sporting heritage, has steadily modified its stance towards female athletes. Throughout the last several decades, Indian women athletes have defied stereotypes, surmounted difficulties, and represented their country with distinction on the world stage. This essay looks at the experiences of Indian women athletes, including their accomplishments, challenges, and endeavours to improve gender equality in sports.
Women are the foundation of not only a family but of society as a whole. They are outstanding performers who make substantial contributions to the strengthening of society. Despite their desire to outperform males, women are undervalued and underutilised in India and throughout the world. They are merely bystanders who are humiliated and denied the opportunity to fulfil their desires and goals in numerous industries. Several Indian female athletes have worked persistently to overcome discrimination, economic difficulty, and cultural prejudice to carve out successful careers. This blog will examine the state of women in sports in India, as well as inspirational stories of female athletes.
Historical Background
There are countless examples of remarkable Indian women who competed in sports, often without formal recognition or help. As early as the 1920s, women like Mary D’Souza Sequeira made advances in Indian athletics. Women’s sports participation, however, did not become more evident until the 1950s and 1960s. Women began participating at the national level in sports like track and field, badminton, and table tennis during this period.
For Indian women in sports, the 1980s and 1990s were milestone years. P.T. Usha called the “Queen of Indian Track and Field,” became a national icon as a result of her excellent performances at international tournaments. Female athletes made important achievements during this period, including Geeta Zutshi, who won India’s first-ever individual gold medal in badminton at the Asian Games in 1982. These trailblazers’ achievements inspired a new generation of female athletes.
Challenges Faced by Women in Sports
Despite advancements, women in Indian sports confront several challenges that hinder their growth and development. Among the noteworthy difficulties are:
Gender preconceptions and deeply held cultural standards frequently prevent women from participating in sports. Many Indians still feel that sports are “unladylike” and might harm a woman’s femininity.
Inadequate Sports Infrastructure and Facilities: Inadequate sports infrastructure and facilities disproportionately affect women, making it difficult for them to access training grounds and effective coaching.
Female athletes have fewer options and resources since women’s sports are frequently less financially supported and sponsored than men’s sports.
Women’s sports receive far less media attention than men’s sports, resulting in minimal exposure and recognition for female athletes.
Conservative attitudes and cultural practices in certain locations hinder women from participating in sports or pursuing a career in athletics.
In certain locations, conservative ideas and cultural traditions hinder women from participating in sports or pursuing a career in athletics.
Balancing vocation and athletics: The temptation for female athletes to strike a balance between pursuing a job or education and thriving in athletics can be overwhelming.Women in sports face a wide range of discrimination and harassment, from unequal pay to gender-based violence.
Achievements
Despite the challenges, several Indian women athletes have made a name for themselves on the international stage by demonstrating their talent and tenacity. Here are some amazing female athletes that have achieved success in their respective sports.
V. Sindhu: P.V. Sindhu, one of India’s most well-known badminton players, became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. She firmly established herself as a top player by winning the 2019 BWF World Championships.
C. Mary Kom: M.C. Mary Kom, who was born in Manipur, is a pioneer in Indian boxing. She has won six world championships and an Olympic bronze medal. Her achievements have inspired many young ladies to take up boxing as a sport.
Hima Das nicknamed the “Dhing Express,” is an Indian sprinter who won five gold medals in international tournaments in 2019. Many young athletes around the country look up to her as an inspiration and motivator.
Dipa Karmakar, India’s first female gymnast, qualified for the Olympics. Her fourth-place result in the vault event at the 2016 Rio Olympics was lauded by everybody.
Efforts Towards Gender Equality
Recognising the significance of fostering gender equality in sports, several stakeholders have made steps to improve the environment for female athletes. Among the measures undertaken in this regard are:
Sports Policies: The Indian government has implemented policies and measures to encourage and support female sports participation. Initiatives such as “Khelo India” seek to uncover and develop youthful sports potential across the country, with a focus on female athletes.
Organisations such as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have increased the number of women in positions of authority, resulting in better decision-making and representation of female athletes.
Female athletes are increasingly valued by corporations, who are investing in them through sponsorships and endorsements.
Coverage in the media: The media is beginning to pay more attention to women’s sports, giving female athletes and their victories much-needed visibility.
Grassroots Initiatives: Non-governmental organisations and sports associations are striving to raise awareness and encourage female athletes to participate in sports at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
Women’s sports in India have demonstrated perseverance, persistence, and game-changing success. Despite significant obstacles, Indian women athletes have frequently demonstrated their brilliance and made their country proud. Though still in its early stages, efforts to promote gender equality in sports hold out hope for a more inclusive and empowered future for women in Indian sports. By removing obstacles, increasing support and resources, and creating an environment of equal opportunity, India can continue to grow and celebrate the talent of its female athletes on the global stage.
Written by – Krati Nitin
Edited by – Khalid Khursheed