Growing up, I was often a spectator to a familiar scene: my brother and uncles, eyes glued to the television, utterly absorbed in cricket. Whenever the IPL or World Cup was on, their world seemed to shrink to the size of the TV screen. It was thrilling and exciting, yet also endearing to see men of all ages so passionately engrossed in this one event.
But amid the buzz and excitement, a question always lingered in my mind: where were the women in this picture? It wasn’t that the women in my family lacked interest in sports, but their enthusiasm seemed significantly dimmer compared to the men.
Even today, if you ask someone to name five male cricketers, they can easily name more than five. However, when it comes to female cricketers, many would struggle to name even a couple.
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Smriti Mandhana is one such inspiring figure who chose to go against this disparity that is so rooted in the lower representation of women in sports and the lack of celebration for their achievements. The spotlight rarely shines as brightly on female athletes, which perpetuates their underrepresentation. It’s high time we flip the script and honour the trailblazing women who are reshaping the world of sports.
From a young age, Smriti was surrounded by sports whether it was through watching her dad play cricket at the district level for Sangli or watching her brother compete in under-16 tournaments. Both instances not only rooted her interest in sports but also led her to take up a career in a field that is so male-dominated.
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Her sports excellence and dedication led her to become a phenomenal cricketer who has recently become the first Indian woman to hit consecutive ODI centuries. Her dazzling performance—scoring 136 runs in 120 balls—not only led her team to victory but also filled the nation with pride. Talk about talent!
Mandhana embodies the spirit of “women can have it all,” effortlessly balancing her career and personal life. As a sportswoman, entrepreneur, and brand endorser, she is a beacon of inspiration. Her achievements encourage young girls who aspire to carve out their own paths in the sports world.
Smriti’s story, along with those of other pioneering women, serves as a powerful testament to the potential within every young girl dreaming of a career in sports. Her journey is paving the way for the next generation, inspiring them to leave their own indelible marks on history. By celebrating such trailblazers, we can help ensure that future generations see a more balanced representation in the sports they love.
