Female athleticism is more prevalent than ever, due to increased opportunities for women thanks to the growing support by audiences and governments. Although women have always played sports (there are records of female athletes dating back to Ancient Greece)  and some even breaking previously held sporting records, women were frequently being restricted or banned from a vast number of sports. That has slowly been cutting its way down, and in modern times women’s sports often get the same recognition that men’s do in terms of performance and business as well.

 

The increased attention on women’s sports is one the most salient indicators of progress. Women soccer receives at least as much, or even more, viewership as men football or basketball in the US. Women cricket is becoming a massive hit in India with the impressive ratings for the initial season of Women Premier League (WPL). Again, netball with US in Australia draws great audiences proving women’s sport is not a niche audience anymore.

The changing visibility has also changed attitudes in India. Some parents have begun to see the merits of having their daughters engage in sports, believing that there are potential career paths involved and a means of achieving financial independence as well. Today playing sports is not just a passion, it is a type of profession driven by hard work.

 

This transition has also had the surprise backing of the Indian government. However, sports initiatives like Khelo India are helping the situation with more girls participating in sports, giving them a platform to hone their skills. While schools are providing incentives for girls to get into sports, but there is still a long way to go. Particularly, girls from municipal schools are deprived of adequate facilities and trained coaches. The solution to this is for the government to work with local authorities using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and bring in coaches and organiser sports programs which are fun and focus on building teams. It would get girls from low-income communities involved in sports earlier.

 

The next generation of female athletes will break barriers, inspire change and open doors for more with the increasing number of girls encouraged to play. This is only the beginning, and the future are bright.