2018 will be another memorable year in the course of our history. A year when many women proved their mettle at, public places, industry, academia, sports, technology and many other fields and claimed a place for them with full dignity. In many ways, they displayed their resilient spirits and determination to break the patriarchal shackles and myths that have for long tied their free spirits. From breaking silence and stereotypes to winning acclaimed laurels, it has truly been a year that opened many new doors for the future of women. We must also acknowledge how women are contributing towards the name and fame of India in remarkable ways. From administration and leadership in education and sports, women are taking the lead; we must continue this trend- of progress and enthusiasm.
Women are doing their best to make their presence felt in especially a male-centric field i.e. sports. Maybe it is the lack of sponsors or support with the right attitude that women in sports were never given the much-deserved fame in media, television, and other platforms, which have otherwise always provided a space to the male sports stars. In spite of these challenges many of our daughters have raised the bar in the field of sports. This year will always be reminisced with many such names, for example, Mary Kom, P.V Sindu, Hima Das, Swapna Barman, Mirabai Chanu, Rahi Sarnobat, Manika Batra and others.
Mary Kom, who hails from a small village in Manipur, at the age of 35 created history by becoming the first woman to win 6 World Championships at the 10th AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. P.V Sindhu became the first ever Indian to win the BWF World Tour Finals title. From humble roots in Assam, Swapna Barman might have struggled when she didn’t even have proper shoes to play and practice, but this didn’t stop her from becoming the first Indian to clinch a gold medal in the Heptathlon category in 2018 Asian Games. Sprinter Hima Das, a farmer’s daughter broke the national record twice and is now an Indian youth ambassador for UNICEF.
Mirabai Chanu from Manipur gave us a record-breaking performance in Weightlifting’s 48kg category at the Commonwealth Games. Rahi Sarnobat from Maharashtra became the first Indian women to win gold in shooting at the Asian Games and Manika Batra led the Indian women’s team to a stunning gold medal finish in table tennis and became one of the most successful Indian athletes who bagged many medals in the Commonwealth Games.
Long story short…the achievements and remarkable records of Indian women sports stars not only inspire and motivate us but, it fuels the future with possibilities and opportunities with the commitment and determination these women have showed. Let their indomitable spirits continue to ignite as they truly take the lead and empower the future of other girls. Indeed we can say #GirlsTakeLead and #ItIsPossible.