Indian sportswomen continue to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields, with footballer Ashalata Devi and F4 racer Mira Erda serving as prime examples. These athletes have openly discussed the hurdles they face, ranging from societal biases to the fight for equal pay and adequate resources.
Ashalata Devi, a seasoned footballer, has achieved a historic milestone as the first Indian woman to play 100 international matches. Born in Manipur, she began playing football at 13 and debuted for India's U-17 team in 2008. Since her senior debut against Bangladesh in 2011, she has been a constant presence in the national team, captaining the side and winning South Asian Games gold medals in 2016 and 2019, as well as four SAFF Women's Championships. In 2015, she also played for Maldivian football club New Radiant, becoming only the second Indian woman to play for an overseas club. Despite her accomplishments, women's football in India still faces challenges such as a lack of funds, teams, and players, hindering the league's growth and players' development.
Mira Erda, a Formula 4 racer, has also defied stereotypes in the motorsport world. She started racing at the age of nine and became the first Indian woman to win internationally in Formula 4. Erda has been a trailblazer, competing in the JK Euro Series and the Indian Racing League, inspiring a new generation of female racers. She recalls facing skepticism early in her career, with many questioning her participation in a male-dominated sport. However, with her family's support, she persevered, turning challenges into strengths and proving that women can excel in motorsports.
One of the most persistent issues in Indian sports is the gender pay gap. A BBC report revealed that while a majority of Indians believe women athletes should receive equal pay, a significant percentage still consider women's sports less entertaining than men's. Sania Mirza, Mithali Raj, and Aditi Chauhan have voiced their opinions on equal pay, highlighting the need for more progress in bringing women on par with men in sports. While some strides have been made, such as the BCCI's decision to implement equal match fees for men and women cricketers, disparities remain in annual salaries and retainership payments.
Despite the challenges, there is growing momentum for change. Initiatives like the Women's Premier League in cricket have improved the visibility of female athletes, and increased media coverage and sponsorships are helping to close the gap. However, achieving full gender parity in sports requires sustained commitment from all sectors, including policy changes and a shift in societal attitudes. The success of athletes like Ashalata Devi and Mira Erda demonstrates the potential of Indian women in sports, and their stories serve as an inspiration for future generations to overcome hurdles and pursue their dreams.
