Celebrating Athletes Beyond Gender: How Women’s Sports are Gradually Changing
Women encounter numerous challenges in building a career in sports, primarily due to the prejudices they face within the industry. These prejudices serve as a major barrier to their professional advancement and success.
It would be a significant oversight to overlook the positive strides they have made in sports recently, thanks to increased media coverage. The media has frequently disregarded women’s sports accomplishments, citing a lack of interest as the reason. However, this perception is gradually shifting as girls continue to make their nations proud with remarkable accomplishments.
Female athletes are garnering positive attention and making headlines for their exceptional accomplishments, signifying a positive change in the media’s acknowledgement of their achievements.
*For instance, in the context of India, cricket has always held immense passion, but the women’s cricket teams have historically faced significant disparities, including lower pay and limited sponsorship opportunities, relegating them to a secondary position in the league.
*In recent times, the entire scenario has undergone a significant transformation. The emergence of star players like Mithali Raj, Smriti Mandana, Jhulan Goswami, and Harmanpreet Kaur has propelled them to become household names.
*The growing interest in the women’s premier league, modelled after the popular men’s IPL (Indian Premier League), reflects the desire to provide female cricketers with similar opportunities and recognition, addressing the previous disparities and promoting gender equality in the sport.
In India, a new trend is emerging where star cricketers are endorsing brands on an equal footing, irrespective of gender.
*Reputable brands like Puma and Hyundai Motors India have recognised the talent and marketability of female cricketers, choosing them as their brand ambassadors.
In addition to cricketers, it is essential to acknowledge the exceptional accomplishments of athletes like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, and numerous others who have defied the constraints of male dominance in their respective sports.
Their remarkable contributions have played a significant role in improving media coverage and recognition of women’s sports. Their dedication, skill, and achievements have inspired generations and fuelled the movement towards a more inclusive and equitable sporting culture.
