A few days ago, I met a group of girls playing various sports. These young women hailed from different places, and each was excelling in her chosen game. Some were football experts, others were skilled in volleyball, cricket, or badminton. Watching them play filled me with joy and pride, knowing that our country has so many talented female athletes.
Among them, one girl's appearance particularly caught my attention. She was dressed in boys' clothes and sports shoes, with a short, boyish haircut. During tea time, she sat with me, and I complimented her on her unique style. She was taken aback and remarked that it was surprising to hear someone appreciate her look since her in-laws despised it and even led to her divorce. Intrigued, I asked for more details, and she shared her story.
This girl was an international-level athlete who had always dressed this way. However, when she got married, her husband and in-laws pressured her to abandon her attire and give up sports altogether. They felt ashamed to have a daughter-in-law who dressed like a boy and played sports. Unwilling to sacrifice her passion, she refused to comply. Consequently, her husband divorced her, declaring that she was unfit for him and his family.
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Sadly, this reflects our society's mindset. Even today, women are denied their rights and are trapped by cultural and traditional constraints. They cannot freely voice their opinions or make choices about their careers or attire.
Why is it problematic for a girl to pursue sports? Just as men have the right to engage in sports, so do women. Sports is not an exclusive domain for boys. This is a misconception perpetuated by societal norms.
In many other countries, there are more girls than boys in sports. They recognize that sports is a valuable field with numerous benefits. These benefits apply to both men and women, and both should be able to take advantage of them. Sports keep individuals physically and mentally fit, prevent diseases, reduce obesity, and provide a source of entertainment. It also fosters important qualities such as self-confidence and social interaction.
Despite these undeniable benefits, it is crucial to recognize that women should have the freedom to pursue any field they choose. If a girl is passionate about sports, she deserves acceptance and support, not judgment or opposition.
Our society needs to change its perspective and support women in all their endeavors, including sports. Only then can we truly progress and ensure that women have equal opportunities and rights?
30 Mar, 2025
30 Mar, 2025