Abstract

Challenges and Opportunities in Women’s Participation in Sports in India

Dr. M. Ravinder Rao

Volume: 13 Issue: 3 2023

Abstract:

The number of women participating in sports in India has seen a great development yet female athletes continue to face hurdles in the form of social, economic, cultural, infrastructure and institutional restrictions. Participation in sport can enhance women’s physical health, mental health, confidence, leadership skills, social inclusion and economic independence. Government programs such as Khelo India, ASMITA Women’s League, and the current Khelo Bharat Niti are all instances of promoting the development of extra opportunities for women and girls to participate in sports and to continue participating in sports. The government of India said that 60,147 athletes participated in 575 contests in 21 different disciplines and 26 different states and union territories in women’s sports leagues under the Khelo India umbrella during the academic year 2023-24. More recently, the ASMITA League reported that almost 300,000 women participated in a total of 2,600 leagues and 33 different disciplines. But increasing engagement alone is not sufficient to remedy the problem. There should be change in societal attitude, safe sporting facilities, conveniently accessible infrastructure, trained female coaches, financial support, health and nutrition services, career opportunities and improvements in general environment. The essay seeks to discuss the key hurdles and opportunities related to the participation of women in sports in India and suggest some initiatives that may be implemented to make the sports system more inclusive.

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References

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