INDIAN WOMEN IN SPORTS

INDIAN WOMEN IN SPORTS

Indian women in sports are challenging stereotypes, breaking records, and redefining gender norms, all while benefiting from legal protections aimed at promoting gender equality. From badminton to boxing, wrestling, and athletics, these athletes are proving that women can excel in competitive sports traditionally dominated by men.

P.V. Sindhu, an Olympic silver medalist, has become a global icon in badminton. Mary Kom, a six-time world boxing champion, has broken barriers in a male-dominated sport, while Mithali Raj, with over 10,000 runs in ODIs, has revolutionized women’s cricket in India. Hima Das and Vinesh Phogat are also making history in athletics and wrestling, showing that women can excel at the highest levels.

Despite their success, women athletes in India still face challenges like gender bias, pay inequality, and limited media coverage. However, laws protecting women such as the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 offer protections against discrimination and harassment, creating a safer and equitable environment for women. 

Additionally, the National Sports Development Code aims to improve infrastructure and opportunities for female athletes, while the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign encourages girls to pursue sports and education. However, the journey towards gender equality in sports remains ongoing.

With support from mentorship by icons like Saina Nehwal and Karnam Malleswari, and the growing visibility of women athletes, the future of women’s sports in India looks bright. Legal protections, combined with rising opportunities, ensure that these women continue breaking records and pushing boundaries in the world of sports.