When a woman empowers herself in the endeavours of what she is excellent at, the ripple effect of her success serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to millions of other women who aspire to accomplish their dreams. The road to success in sports for a woman in India is filled with narratives of disparity, prejudice, harassment and societal shunning. While many fall prey to injustice in their odyssey towards their goals, I find ecstasy and bliss in celebrating Manu Bhaker’s journey to secure a bronze medal in the Olympics. In this article, I examine the current status of Indian women in sports through the lens of the legendary victory of Manu Bhaker.
The Significance of Her Achievement - A Beacon of Hope Outshining the Arena of Sports
Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by clinching a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol event, becoming the first Indian female shooter to do so. This milestone not only secured India's first medal in the games but also ended a lengthy 12-year dry spell in shooting medals for the country, last witnessed in London in 2012. Despite facing numerous challenges and criticism during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Bhaker showed remarkable determination and perseverance under the strict guidance of her coach, Jaspal Rana. Just before the final shot, Manu Bhaker found herself in second place, holding a slim 0.1-point advantage over her South Korean competitor Kim Ye-ji. With a guaranteed spot on the podium, the realization of what was at stake hit all of us.
Just a year ago, she was faced with relentless trolling and abuse in Tokyo 2021, causing her to consider quitting the sport and retiring altogether. However, fast forward to today, she has defied all odds and emerged as an Olympic medalist, clinching a bronze at the Paris Games in the 10m Air Pistol event. This historic win not only marks India's first medal in the 2024 Games but also stands as a groundbreaking achievement for female shooters from the country. Sport can be harsh, but it also has the power to reward its most dedicated followers. Manu exemplifies this dedication, especially with the support of Jaspal Rana. Despite a setback three years ago, she consistently excelled in competitions, showcasing a remarkable transformation. Her journey was a story of redemption, rising above challenges to achieve monumental success. Delving into her rigorous training regimen reveals a year of relentless dedication, resembling a strict military boot camp with no room for breaks. Jaspal's unwavering commitment to her success was evident, as he pushed her to her limits every day without compromise. It was a true test of resilience and determination.
After Manu's impressive performance in Paris, it became clear to all of India that she was truly something special. Her consistency over the two days of shooting was a rare sight for an Indian athlete, breaking a 12-year medal drought in shooting since the London 2012 Olympics. Many are now speculating that Manu could potentially make history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic Games. With upcoming events like the 10m Mixed Team Pistol and the 25m Air Pistol, there is a strong belief that more success could be on the horizon for Manu. Despite her nerves and lack of sleep after the 10m Air Pistol event qualification, Manu showed incredible mental strength and resilience in the face of criticism and pressure.
Her ability to bounce back from setbacks like the abuse she faced on social media after the Tokyo Olympics is a testament to her maturity and determination at just 22 years old. Manu has always been a prodigy in the shooting world, and now she has solidified her status as an Olympic champion. The impact of Manu's medal on the Indian campaign at the Olympics is yet to be fully realized, but it has certainly raised hopes for more success from the Indian shooting team. With her historic achievement, Manu has inspired a new wave of excitement and optimism for Indian athletes competing in Tokyo and beyond.
The widespread recognition inspires hope for a brighter future for countless young female athletes who aspire to be proud of their country, families, and, above all, themselves. However, one must wonder why the cry for the triumphant emulation of a female athlete amounts to no more than a drop in the vast ocean of aspirational minds lost in pointless conflicts between inequality and capitalism.
The Rise of Women in Indian Sports - A Battle Against Patriarchy, Prejudice and Gender-based Disparity
Women are the backbone of every household and play a crucial role in shaping the fabric of society. Despite facing discrimination and societal norms that deem them inferior to men, women continue to excel and make significant contributions to their communities. In India and beyond, female athletes have worked tirelessly to break free from the shackles of bias and inequality to achieve success in their respective fields.
Female athletes have achieved a prestigious status in society by taking on various roles beyond just being mothers. Through their determination, hard work, and drive to succeed, they have earned recognition and respect. The remarkable progress made by women is a testament to their dedication and ambition. Sports have the power to bring about positive change, including promoting gender equality by instilling values such as teamwork, independence, resilience, and confidence in women and girls.
By excelling in sports, women challenge stereotypes and biases, serve as inspirations for others, and advocate for equality between genders.
Despite facing obstacles and disparities in recognition and pay compared to their male counterparts, female athletes like Sania Mirza, Mary Kom, Mithali Raj, PV Sindhu, and Saina Nehwal have brought honour to their country through their remarkable achievements in various sports. They have broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field and continue to inspire others with their unmatched skill and determination. The number of female athletes continues to grow, and their success knows no bounds.
While the number of female athletes in the sports industry is on the rise, gender equality remains a prominent issue in Indian society. Various authorities and women themselves are working towards addressing this issue. The salary disparity between male and female athletes, with women often earning half or even less than their male counterparts, is a major hindrance for female athletes. This gap extends to prize money as well. Additionally, female athletes are underrepresented compared to male athletes. The financial stability and job security for female athletes are uncertain, forcing many to seek supplementary income through other means. Despite these challenges, female athletes continue to strive for excellence and are determined to leave their mark in the sports world.
Despite this, several notable female athletes are highly respected and have inspired Mithali Raj to hold the prestigious titles of test and ODI captain for the women's national cricket team. She made history by becoming the first female cricketer in women's one-day international matches to surpass the 7,000-run mark. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with numerous national and international accolades, including the Padma Shri award bestowed upon her by the Indian government in 2015 and being named the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World in 2017. Mithali Raj is a globally renowned figure in women's cricket.
PV Sindhu, the first Indian to triumph in the world championship of badminton, has also achieved remarkable success. She is one of only two Indian athletes to have secured consecutive medals in the Olympics, joining a select group of elite competitors. Sindhu's impressive list of accolades includes the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Sania Mirza stands out as the sole female Indian tennis player to have clinched six prestigious titles. She has been honored with the Padma Shri and Arjuna Awards, serving as a role model for countless women to showcase their talents and pursue their goals.
Conclusion
Women have persistently fought against societal norms and have successfully broken through barriers to achieve their goals. Through their unwavering determination and drive for success, women have managed to overcome marginalization and make a significant impact in the sports industry. Their perseverance has ultimately led to their success in a male-dominated field and served as an inspiration to the younger generation to chase their dreams, especially in light of Manu Bhaker's recent triumph. Even though the times are changing steadily, there is still a long way to go before women's sports equity and fair opportunities are discussed in Indian society. Still, hearing about the nation's daughters like Manu makes us look for the beacon of hope for the changing future of our nation.