Priya Kumari – Enigmatic Horizon Staff (Sub Editor)
If we go back to the ancient past, women were not even allowed to watch the Olympic Games. Throughout history, women have been seen fighting for equality in sports. Today, as compared to those ancient times, the attitude of society towards women’s sports is changing.
A gender stereotype exists and still does, especially among Indian people, that certain sports are not meant for women- such as cricket, volleyball, football, basketball, weightlifting, boxing, etc. However, Karnam Malleswari broke this stereotypical thinking among society by winning a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics in weightlifting.
She is the first woman to represent India in such a prestigious sports event and bring glory to the country. She inspired many female athletes of the next generation, such as Sania Mirza, MC Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, and Sakshi Malik, as well as Lovlina Borgohain. They are the ones who represented India at the Olympics and made India proud. Since then, many Indian female athletes started showing interest in sports, and they found success in major sports events, thereby bringing trophies to the country. Today, various schemes adopted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, such as Khelo India, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, and the Fit India Movement, are motivating the youth to take part in various sports events.
Sports benefit society in various ways. It helps in developing the physical and psychological status of a woman. It helps in gaining confidence and high self-esteem. Sports also help an individual build a positive mindset and remain physically and mentally strong and fit.
Today, it can be seen that the mindset of Indian society regarding female sports is changing gradually. They have accepted that a woman can take part in any sport, no matter how much physical strength it requires.
