Celebrating the Resilience of Adivasi Sportswomen on International Day of the Girl Child

On this International Day of the Girl Child, we are pleased to share the remarkable stories of Adivasi sportswomen who have defied odds, shattered stereotypes, and etched their names in the world of sports dominated by boys. Their journeys are a testament to the sheer resilience and strength that courses through their veins.

Breaking the Chains, Barriers beyond domesticity:?

The stories of the young Adivasi sportswomen and the life stories of the established sportswomen from Jharkhand inform us of the different kinds of struggles that they had to overcome on their journey to establish themselves as professional sports women. While the young women embark on breaking the first and the most challenging of the barriers, i.e. to step out of their domesticity, they confront a life that will continue to present them with more challenges. Their aspirations will require them to break some more barriers, however, some of these barriers will become critical in deciding the fate of their careers, more often ending them. One wonders, where do these barriers for Adivasi sportswomen end? The aspirations of the sportswomen, although modest, come at a considerable cost.

PDAG's commitment to transformation:?

At Policy & Development Advisory Group (PDAG) , we wholeheartedly embrace sports' transformative power, especially for rural youth. Our work delves into the influence of sports on tribal women and girls. A crowning achievement is the SAHAY initiative, launched on December 15, 2021, by PDAG in association with the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand. This initiative pioneers the use of sports for development, conflict resolution, and youth empowerment. Beyond transforming young women's lives, SAHAY initiates conversations among boys and men, promoting gender sensitivity and empowerment.

The Role Model Effect:

Remarkably, in everyday tribal society, sports is perceived as a way of life. Despite facing daunting odds and contending with limited institutional support, corporate and private investments, as well as media attention, many individuals from these tribal communities have kindled a flame of freedom, emancipation, empowerment, and sporting excellence in these regions. Sports sociologists term this phenomenon as ‘the role model effect’.

Celebrating Triumphs:?

Let us now turn our attention to the awe-inspiring success stories of these Adivasi sportswomen who have not only broken barriers but have also become beacons of hope for countless others. Their achievements stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit that courses through their veins.

• Pratima Birua:Pratima Birua, hailing from the remote village of Torpa in Jharkhand, overcame significant challenges to become a national-level hockey player and later, a coach. Despite facing financial constraints and inadequate support, Pratima's determination led her to pursue a diploma in physical education. In 2008, she secured a coaching position and dedicated herself to training young women in hockey. Pratima's unyielding spirit and contributions have not only produced international players but also inspired her community. The villagers now aspire for a local training center to steer their children towards sports, creating a positive impact on their lives.
• Nikki Pradhan:Nikki Pradhan, hailing from the village of Hesal in Khunti district, Jharkhand, rose above adversity to become a prominent figure in women's hockey. Encouraged by the success of other female players, Nikki was determined to make her mark in the sport. Despite facing financial constraints, she persevered, securing a place in the Jharkhand Hockey team. Nikki's hard work and talent earned her a spot in the national team, making her the first sportswoman from Jharkhand to represent India at the Olympics. Nikki's journey serves as an inspiration for other aspiring athletes in her community.
• Rakhi Tirkey:Rakhi Tirkey, from Ranchi, Jharkhand, emerged as a successful wrestler despite limited resources and support. Her journey began when she and her sisters were introduced to wrestling by Bholanath Singh, the general secretary of the Wrestling Association in Jharkhand. Rakhi's dedication and talent quickly propelled her to national-level competitions. Despite financial hardships, Rakhi continued to excel, garnering recognition and accolades. Rakhi's accomplishments have not only brought pride to her family and community but have also motivated other young Adivasi women to pursue wrestling.
• Asunta Lakra:Asunta Lakra, hailing from a remote village in Simdega district, Jharkhand, defied all odds to become a renowned figure in Indian women's hockey. Overcoming challenges such as long commutes, financial constraints, and a lack of facilities, Asunta's dedication and talent led her to the Indian national team. Asunta's career spanned over two decades, during which she represented India with great pride and distinction. Post-retirement, Asunta remains committed to motivating and mentoring young players, emphasizing the strength and resilience of Adivasi women in sports.

These four stories collectively illustrate the remarkable journeys of these Adivasi women from Jharkhand, showcasing their determination, perseverance, and contributions to Indian sports. They have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also paved the way for future generations of athletes in their communities.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us celebrate the extraordinary resilience and strength of these Adivasi sportswomen. Their journeys inspire us to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and forge ahead with unwavering determination. Through initiatives like SAHAY, we at Policy & Development Advisory Group (PDAG) are not only transforming lives but also sowing the seeds of change in communities. Together, we can create a world where every girl, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to soar to great heights.

Read our Knowledge Brief on Sports for Social Impact from here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oEakc75J4KxdZYjzx9vXXSC_hKWyRk94/view

References:

https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/sporting-spirit-of-adivasi-women-magazine-258658

This is the eighth blogpost in the #WhereisPublicinPublicPolicy series by Policy & Development Advisory Group (PDAG) .