“Start them young.” The phrase echoes in playgrounds, on gym floors, and at kitchen tables where parents debate the next move for their child. But all too often, it’s implicitly aimed at boys; boys in cleats, boys on courts, the boys who wear the hero’s jersey. And when girls do slip into shoes and gear, the question persists: “Is sport really for me?” That quiet hesitation has cost generations of girls an experience that builds not only strength but also self-belief. The good news? That tide is finally turning.
The Moment That Moved a Nation
When the Indian women’s cricket team lifted the World Cup, the celebration wasn’t just about victory; it was about rewriting perception. Among the most touching stories was that of Amanjot Kaur, whose father, a carpenter, carved her first bat by hand because they couldn’t afford one. That simple act of faith became a symbol of possibility, proof that equality often begins with a parent’s belief. Every such story is a quiet revolution in a society that still needs reminding that girls belong on the field too.
A Foundation
I was fortunate — both my parents served in the Indian Army. In our household, discipline and fitness weren’t optional; they were part of everyday life. That early structure became the foundation that led me to be a kettlebell sport world champion, a field most in India barely know exists. Kettlebell lifting isn’t about machines or mirrors; it’s about rhythm, precision, and the endurance to keep going when your body says stop. It’s a test of willpower measured not in weight but in minutes of unbroken focus. Those lessons shaped me far beyond the platform. They taught me resilience, patience, and the quiet confidence that only effort can buy. That’s what sport gives every girl — strength that spills into every part of her life.
The Hidden Power of Play
Research from the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) shows that girls who participate in sport perform better academically, report higher self-esteem, and build stronger leadership skills than those who don’t. These gains go far beyond physical fitness; they’re about mental agility and emotional maturity. Sport sharpens reflexes, strengthens focus, and teaches teamwork. It encourages young girls to make decisions under pressure and to find balance between ambition and discipline. In a world obsessed with instant validation, sport offers something lasting — character. Despite progress, India still faces a wide participation gap. Studies show that girls are more likely to drop out of sport during adolescence, citing safety issues, social expectations, and lack of facilities. The Sports and Society Accelerator and Dalberg report Active Equity found that many girls are discouraged from outdoor play by age 14, while boys are urged to compete longer and harder. Bridging that divide requires more than policy; it needs a mindset shift. Schools and parents must see sport as essential education, not a luxury.
If inspiration had faces, they would look like Mary Kom and PV Sindhu. Mary Kom — mother of four, Olympic medallist, and six-time world champion — has shown that motherhood and mastery can coexist. Sindhu’s grace and ferocity on the badminton court redefined what Indian femininity in sport looks like. They didn’t just win medals; they won mindshare. They made it possible for young girls to imagine a life where sport isn’t a rebellion — it’s a right. Across cities and towns, a new generation of Indian women is redefining what it means to be an athlete. They are engineers who run marathons, teachers who box before school, and professionals who lift weights after work. They are the hybrid athletes, balancing work, family, and sport without apology. This generation isn’t waiting for perfect conditions. They’re creating their own spaces, founding local clubs, and mentoring the next line of girls who will one day take their place. They represent the India that’s coming - fast, fearless, and inclusive.
Why It Must Begin Early
Every child is born with potential, but it’s what we nurture early that shapes it. When girl play sports from a young age, they learn to trust their bodies, to compete, to lead, and to fail gracefully. They discover that strength isn’t masculine — it’s universal. Sport teaches equality long before society does. On the field, a good pass or a strong finish earns respect, not gendered judgment. That’s how you build confident women and balanced men — by letting every child play without bias.
The Final Whistle
India has proved its daughters can lift, run, punch, swim, and shine on the world stage. Now the responsibility lies with us — parents, educators, and policymakers — to give them that start earlier, stronger, and freer. Every time a girl steps onto a field, she does more than play. She shifts the narrative, inspires others, and when girls play, they win twice: once in sport, and once in life.
The author is a Kettlebell World Champion and an advocate for women in sport; views are personal
