Dr. Vijay Garg
The landscape of Indian sports has undergone a revolutionary change in recent years, and the main protagonists of this change are daughters of India. Today, from Harmanpreet Kaur and Shefali Verma to PV Indus, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovelina Borgohen, women athletes have not only waved India’s parachute on the international stage, but also become a source of inspiration for millions of young girls. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Indian sports are going through a “happy period”, the brilliance of which has been enhanced by the unprecedented success of female players. A new chapter of achievements Indian girls have recorded their presence in almost every game: Cricket: The recent success of the Indian women’s cricket team, which includes big titles like World Cup (such as winning ODI and T20 World Cup in 2025), has taken female cricket to new heights. These victories have created a new passion for women’s cricket in the country. Olympic and Global Forum: The journey that started with Karnam Malleshwari winning a bronze medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics has now become a strong current. PV Indus (Badminton), Mary Com (Boxing), Sakshi Malik and Mirabai Chanu have proven that Indian women are fully prepared for world class competition by winning medals in consecutive Olympics and World Championships. Other sports: The performance of women teams and individual players (such as the hockey team or Hima Das under Rani Rampal’s captaincy) has also been commendable in sports like Kabaddi, Hockey, Shooting and Athletics. Strength from challenges This happy round did not come like this. Most of these female players have faced serious challenges such as poverty, social stereotypes and gender discrimination. Coming out of small towns and rural settings, where the game was often not considered suitable for girls, reaching the top from there is a result of their unbreakable enthusiasm, willpower and hard work. Inspirational Stories: Mary Com’s struggle for boxing, Hima Das’s rise from the paddy fields to make a splash on the track, and many other players” stories show that facilities are no guarantee of success; it is willpower, hard work and courage that makes champions. Government cooperation and encouragement The cooperation of government and sports associations has also been an important factor in this happy period: Initiatives like ‘Khelo India’ have helped to identify and train talents at the grassroots level. Institutions like Hockey India are now providing better equipment and facilities to players, which has improved the level of training. The increase in prize money and honor has inspired women players to make a career in sports. the beginning of a new era Gone are the days when games were considered a “second priority” for girls. Today they do not hesitate before choosing a career in sports, but move forward with determination. This change is the result of joint efforts of parents’ thinking, government policies and strong will of players. Golden successes on the world map Indian daughters have left their mark in almost every game— Nikhat Zarin and Lovelina Borgohen in boxing, P.V in badminton Indus and Saina Nehwal, Mirabai Chanu in Weightlifting, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik in wrestling, Hima Das and Jyoti Yaraji in athletics, Young players in hockey and cricket teams, All these have proved through medals and performance that talent does not depend on gender. Daughters winning the war with challenges These achievements were not simple. Despite social pressures, lack of resources, family economic challenges and access to sports facilities, the daughters kept their dreams alive. With the strength of fitness, rigorous practice and mental stamina, he broke those boundaries that were once considered impossible for him. Changed mentality on the field Today girls are not just playing, but changing the language of play. They are setting a new standard of confidence, discipline and professional approach. Her aggressive and bold play in the field sends a message that it is no longer easy to push Indian women back. Policy, incentives and new initiatives Government schemes like— Khe Lo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme), Daughter Bachao—beti teach the broad social impact, These daughters have received better training, nutrition and international disclosure. Private sponsorships and league-based games have also opened new avenues for them. Role model player Today Indian daughters are not only winning medals, but have become an inspiration for the next generation. When girls from small towns and rural backgrounds become world champions, this message reaches every home. Everyone has the right to see The golden horizon of the future This joyful round for India is just the beginning. Better facilities, scientific training, attention to mental health and strong system of finding talent on the ground can make India a superpower of women’s sports in coming years. future path The success of Indian daughters symbolizes a big movement for women empowerment in society. When a daughter waves the tricolor on the playground, she gives the message to the whole country, especially other girls, that it is possible to dream and fulfill them. This round is not limited to the number of medals, but it is a period of change in mentality. Parents are now encouraging their daughters to get ahead in sports. Indian daughters have proven that if they get equal opportunities and cooperation, they can become the best in any field. This happy round is only a beginning for India, and hopefully in the coming time our daughters will continue to establish unique records in every field of sports and increase the pride of the country. Dr. Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational columnist Eminent Educationist street kour Chand MHR Malout Malout Punjab |