Published by : BST News Desk
New Delhi: In a significant event held at the Constitution Club Annexe Hall in Delhi, a comprehensive report focusing on women's participation in sports and associated gender issues in India was officially unveiled. The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of Union Minister for Sports and Information & Broadcasting Mansukh Mandaviya, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Vijaya Rahatkar.
This in-depth research report presents a thorough analysis of the contributions of women athletes in India, the opportunities available to them, and the social and structural challenges they continue to face. The report launch was organized by Stree Shakti and Kreedaa Bharati, and attended by several esteemed dignitaries, including Bhanu Sachdeva, President of Kreedaa Bharati Delhi and recipient of the Arjuna Award, along with many other Dronacharya and Arjuna Award-winning coaches and players.
While addressing the gathering, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that India is progressing rapidly, and women are making their mark in every field. However, he expressed regret that women in sports still face numerous barriers. He firmly stated that the government is committed to providing comprehensive support to female athletes at every level. He described the report not just as a document, but as a thought-provoking medium that compels the nation to evaluate how seriously we take women's participation in sports and what level of facilities and infrastructure we provide for them.
Mandaviya further informed that in recent years, the central government has encouraged the active participation of girls in sports through ambitious initiatives like the "Khelo India" program. However, he acknowledged that grassroots challenges such as gender inequality, social pressure from families, conservative societal mindsets, and economic disparities remain significant obstacles to the growth of women athletes.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in her address, said that the Delhi government has implemented special schemes to actively engage girls in sports. She highlighted that support is being extended from the school level up to the international stage. She stressed that policy-making alone is not enough — true change will only come when societal mindsets evolve. Gupta also stated that empowering girls through sports is crucial for building their self-reliance and confidence.
National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar expressed deep concern over the issues highlighted in the report. According to the report’s findings, female athletes from rural areas often face discriminatory behavior from coaches and sports officials, sexual harassment, and a lack of essential resources.
Rahatkar clearly stated that urgent attention is needed to ensure the safety, equal pay, quality coaching facilities, and mental health support for women athletes.On this important occasion, several nationally recognized female athletes also shared their personal journeys. They spoke about their unwavering dedication to sports despite facing social pressure and financial hardships. Many revealed that they were initially forced to stay away from sports but eventually advanced due to the persistent support of their families and coaches.
The launch of this report sent a strong message that ensuring meaningful participation of women in Indian sports requires more than just encouragement. It demands large-scale social and policy reforms. The government, sports institutions, families, and society at large must work in unison so that in the future, India’s daughters not only win medals at global platforms like the Olympics but also secure equal respect and standing in the sports arena as their male counterparts. This report serves as a mirror for the nation, clearly reflecting that there is still a long road ahead in this direction.
संदेश
0 टिप्पणियाँ