For me, playing football with my classmates and being recognized as a teammate, not just a girl, is a beacon of hope. It’s a small victory for all the girls discouraged from pursuing their passion for sports
By Arunima Dwivedi
Football is a captivating game for youngsters. However, in India, it is often overshadowed by cricket, which is more than just a sport — it’s an emotion for many.
Both football and cricket are typically seen as male-oriented sports. In Indian households, girls are encouraged to learn cooking, cleaning, sewing, and so-called ‘girl’ sports like badminton and volleyball, while boys are pushed towards football and cricket.
Certainly, women have done extremely well in badminton, cricket, volleyball, basketball, chess, table tennis, hockey, and athletics. Hence, these stereotypes not only create stupid divisions, but also reinforce the idea that boys are stronger and girls are fragile and weak.
As a girl who loves football and cricket, I was often excluded by boys, revealing the entrenched social mentality that affects not only the younger generation, but works across the spectrum. Despite increased awareness of equality, these outdated beliefs persist.
For me, playing football with my classmates and being recognized as a teammate, not just a girl, is a beacon of hope. It’s a small victory for all the girls discouraged from pursuing their passion for sports.
These rigid ideas of masculinity and femininity shouldn’t rob children of the joys and wonder of childhood. Breaking these barriers allows us to enjoy sports and friendships, freely, fostering inclusivity, happiness and equality.
Arunima Dwivedi is a student of Class 11, Dr BR Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence (SoSE), Andrews Ganj, Delhi Board of Secondary Education, under Delhi government.
Arunima Dwivedi’s article effectively sheds light on the gender biases that still pervade the world of sports in India, where football and cricket are predominantly associated with boys. She recounts her own experience of exclusion and highlights how traditional expectations push girls toward specific activities, reinforcing outdated stereotypes. Despite progress in women’s sports, these barriers remain a significant hurdle. Her personal triumph in being recognized as a teammate rather than just a girl illustrates the transformative power of breaking down these barriers. Her article advocates for a more inclusive approach to sports, emphasizing that passion and talent should determine participation, not gender.