“Societal norms dictate things” – Neha Tanwar speaks about stereotypes faced by female athletes in the country

“Societal norms dictate things” – Neha Tanwar speaks about stereotypes faced by female athletes in the country
Neha Tanwar

India women cricketer Neha Tanwar believes female athletes still face a lot of stereotypes in the country which should be stopped. The 34-year-old spoke in detail about the issues surrounding gender equality in the country and especially in the field of sports.

“The societal norm in most parts of India dictates something that is not allowing women in this country to feel empowered,” said Neha Tanwar on the occasion of International Women’s Day. 

“I would call myself privileged to have such a supporting family. They have always supported me and given me the opportunity to dream big. That doesn’t mean I have never faced a challenge,” she added.

Tanwar started her career as a cricketer from her college days back in 2004 and made her international debut in 2011. “I got a job in Allahabad, a city in Uttar Pradesh. Life became very monotonous after that. Making time for practice and the gym became harder every day. But I didn’t give up and still represented India at the international level,” she said.

Star Athletes like Mary Kom, Hima Das And Mithali Raj are an inspiration to young female atheletes

Mithali Raj , Mary Kom and P.V Sindhu

Tanwar, who has also played more than 100 first-class matches, feels stories of star athletes like Hima Das, Mary Kom, Mithali Raj can share motivation for young female athletes .

“Stories of great female athletes like Hima Das, Mary Kom, Phogat sisters, Mithali Raj . Who I have played with and many more have passed huge barriers to be who they are today. Be it the barrier of diversity, opposition from family and loved ones, stigma from the society etc,” said Neha Tanwar.

“They are an inspiration to so many young girls. We have Bollywood movies made on their lives. I would say that almost every female athlete in this country still faces a lot of stereotypes that are completely illogical and most of them are because of society. She know things have changed for the better in the past decade but the pace of that change has to change too. I hope for a better future for the female athletes to be,” she pointed.

Dalima Chhibber, a member of the Indian women’s football team, also recalled how she had to hear stereotypical comments in her growing years . But her family always supported her passion for football.

“I am very fortunate and grateful to have a family and parents that always supported my passion for football. But growing up I always heard and was told that there was nothing in football,” said Chhibber who captained FC Pune City in the Indian Women’s League in 2017. “Also, I was often told that I would get hurt (considering I was a girl). Also that I should focus more on my academics than playing football. All of these comments and behaviours usually came from my extended family or people around me, the society. There were fewer opportunities back then to play and participate as compared to now. We have come a long way,” she added.

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