The world of sports is vast enough and for some reasons, it has been fascinated more by men only, but in recent years with the change in era women have come forth and shown the same charisma and stamina as men.
It is not regarding women empowerment nor regarding equality, it is only and only about one thing i.e.display of one's ability as a being.
The sports industry is a huge administration ranging from playing infield to journalism etc. This industry does not run on agendas it runs on capabilities, passion, and dedication.
Everyone is aware regarding the contributions of men in sports but the achievements of women are not much of a talk. Indian sports industry was very much confined to men only till 1900 but now there are many female figures who helps one to aspire to choose sports as a career and as it is women's day, let's celebrate the female compartment of sports for a change.
Many of these figures do not need an introduction anymore as they have been so phenomenal in their respective games that people now know the game because of them.
Women in sports industry have helped change the mindset of people in many ways.
Karnam Malleswari, Geeta Phogat, P.V.Sindhu, Mary Kom,Sakshi Malik,Saina Nehwal,Sania Mirza, Deepika Pallikal,Mithali Raj,Deepika Kumari,K Kansha Singh,Tanya Sachdeva,Chhanda Gayen,Sharmila Nicollet ,Kunjarani Devi are a few to name amongst many female sportsperson who helps you realize the change in area of sports.
Karnam Malleswari ( weightlifter) is the first woman to win a medal at Olympics(2000), also she has been honored with RAJIV GANDHI KHEL RATNA (1995) and PADMA SHRI award(1999).
Geeta Phogat (freestyle wrestler) is the first Indian wrestler to get a gold medal in Commonwealth games (2010), and first female wrestler to qualify for Olympic games. It was her who took Indian wrestling to a different level and made it very clear that this field belongs to her equally as it does to the men.
Mary Kom ( boxer) who goes by the nickname of MAGNIFICENT MARY, she is the only female to become World amateur boxing champion (6 times), and the only female to win a medal in each one of the 7 world championships and only women boxer to qualify for 2012 summer Olympics.She with a great display of her skills has been an inspiring figure for many.
PV Sindhu ( professional badminton player) She is the first Indian women to win silver in Olympics. She has also been honored with PADMA SHRI(2015)and is among top 5 shuttlers in female singles.
Mithali Raj (cricketer)
In India cricket instantly links with MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli J.Bumrah and many more male players but among cricketers also shines a name Mithali Raj. She is the captain of Indian cricket team in test and odi and is known amongst the best batswomen and is first Indian player to score 2000 in T20I.She is a figure that inspires many young hearts to pursue the game and that the land is not marked for him only.
Saina Nehwal ( badminton)
She is the world no.1 who has won 24 international titles and this is well known that is one of the reasons for increased popularity of badminton in India.
Bula choudhury ( national female swimming champion),best known for her long distance swimming feats ,she became the first woman to swim across the seven seas 2015 and has been honored with Arjuna and Padma Shri award.
Deepika Kumari (archery) her confidence and straight-forwardness is reflected in her arrows as well. She has touched world no.5 in archery and has won a gold medal in same CWGs and was honored with FICCI sportsperson of the year 2014.
These are a few amongst many who took it as a responsibility to represent India, not in order to prove a point or get the glory but to encourage many to be a part of the world of sports.
All these names tell us that she can wrestle, shoot, run, smash and can do anything, as for her not even the sky is a limitation.
Before 1900 the Indian sports was not much known for women's sports,and it was only after 1900 that women sports was being included and with more participation of females in this area the world has seen and tried to understand an equal gender approach.
These women have performed and represented India in many games and have won many medals and awards, not in order to prove that they are better than men but to show that they have potential to represent their own country.
And it is the participation of women in sports that has created a spark of curiosity among people to know about many games some eg. being Sania mirza - tennis,Saina nehwal- badminton , Mary kom -boxing etc.
It is because of them that the stereotypical society is forced to think otherwise.The passion , confidence, strength and charm with which they display their skills is hard to be ignored and it is with their contribution that Indian sports is becoming better day by day giving equal and ample opportunity to both men and women.
,Mary Kom boxing academy),to provide a platform for more young souls to live their dreams and iIt is thanks to these female figures that many women sports club has been established in the country (Netaji subhash National Institutet is because of this only that Olympics, Commonwealth games ,Asian cup championships has included both categories for every game(men and women).
As said earlier sports industry is not confined to games only it also includes sports organising committee etc. and when we talk About it one name that comes to mind is of Nita Ambani.She is the first woman to be a member of International Olympic Committee (IOC)and Olympic Education commission,an association that helps to select athletes for Olympic and asian games.One other name not to forget is Saina nehwal who is also a member of IOC and Ms. Sunaina Kumari the vice president of Indian Commonwealth games association.
This is a huge initiative and a step to include female candidates in the organising committees as it helps to create a sense of equality and encourages the participation of other women.
Participation of women in sports is valued as much as their contribution in other fields and India being a sports enthusiast understand more when things are mended in it, women in sports or sports for women are no different than for men ,hence sports has served as a perfect platform for them to show their talent and has also helped to change the thinking and beliefs of the people and have encouraged participation of many talented players. And as the proverb goes educate one girl she will educate 10 other ,here it is make a fine female player and she she will encourage the whole arena to achieve the same.
