In a society obsessed with seeing their young take up medicine and engineering as career options, sports (other than cricket) features fairly low on the radar. Pursuing a career in sports is difficult, thanks to lack of infrastructure and funds. And while all athletes in India have it tough, female sportpersons are even worse off. Yet, time and again, they have worked extra hard and defied all odds to make us proud.
Recently, Kozhikode-based powerlifter and arm wrestler Majiziya Bhanu qualified for the World Arm Wrestling Championship to be held in Turkey later this year. While she should have been training for the event, she instead found herself unable to raise the funds required. Why? Because she is a hijab-clad woman. She has gone on record to say that many even felt supporting a hijabi athlete might affect them adversely. Bhanu just about managed to make the deadline and is now all set to give her best shot at the World Championship.
5 female athletes who’ve beaten odds and achieved great success
On Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Madrasee pantsuit by Doh Tak Keh, pressed flower corset top by Archana Rao; earrings and necklace by Isharya; boots by Steve Madden. Set fabric: Ador & PURE-Royale fabrics collection by Asian Paints, Beautiful Homes.
On Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Cara cowl dress by Aroka; earrings, bracelet and rings by Mia by Tanishq; shoes by Aldo. Set fabric: Royale sofas by Asian Paints and Beautiful Homes, Ador & PURE-Royale fabrics collection by Asian Paints, Beautiful Homes.
On Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Big puff dress from Innovation by H&M; earrings by Tallin; necklace and ring by Mia by Tanishq; shoes by Christian Louboutin. Set fabric: Ador & PURE-Royale fabrics collection by Asian Paints, Beautiful Homes.
On Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Caramel asymmetric halter tulle gown by Rudraksh Dwivedi; earrings by Mia by Tanishq; shoes by Christian Louboutin. Set furniture & fabric: Royale Sofas by Asian Paints and Beautiful Homes, Ador & PURE-Royale fabrics collection by Asian Paints, Beautiful Homes.
On Samantha Ruth Prabhu: Cosmic ray overlay by Aroka, mini black dress by Zara; earrings by Mia by Tanishq; boots by Steve Madden. Set fabric: Ador & PURE-Royale fabrics collection by Asian Paints, Beautiful Homes.
