“It is grit and determination that will take you to new heights,” said Anshu Jamshenpa, a two time Ever-ester form Arunachal Pradesh, during the online Talk Show held on September 12, 2020 by HER-WORLD.
For Unjuman Farooq, a black belt in Thangta Martial Arts who lives in Kashmir, it was her family- most significantly her husband, who has been her support and strength to overcome challenges in coming this far.
In the Talk Show hosted by Rakhee Bakshee, the duo who had overcome tremendous challenges to achieve a place in sports, not only as women but as mothers, expressed their strategies to underscore more on their strength – both the body and the mind. Jamshenpa stressed that one must stay positive, and must focus on one’s strengths rather than one’s weaknesses. And that is what she believed, is what will give achievement and success, instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of what you are unable to do, and letting oneself down. Farooq said that she aggressively pushes herself forward to achieve to get an international reputation and recognition.
Were there any challenges? Yes, of course. Hardships do come in their way, most importantly in terms of resources and finance. Self-motivation and moral support of their near ones and fans have kept them going.
Determination and the “never-die attitude,” both the two sport stars managed to move ahead with their own little resources and support from family and well-wishers. Jamshenpa said that she had never pursued her goals for fame or money.
Women have made it big in several other arenas, such as business or medical professions, or other careers. In sports though, women still needed to make a mark, even as there are quite a handful of those who have made it.
A tremendous initiative needed to be brought in. For one, resources in terms of finances is one that been pointed out and prominently mentioned as one that needs immediate attention and improvement- during the conversation on “Claiming the Sky: Women in sports”.
Empathy is what Captain Louis George strongly calls for in terms of bringing women into the sports domain. The head coach of Indian Women Wheelchair Basketball Team agrees that there are gender bias and discrimination at work, especially for the differently abled. Captain George who is working tirelessly and selflessly for more than two decades, shared that for a long time there has been no support in terms for the team he is heading. “But slowly and surely support is coming in now that people are aware”, the head coach was optimistic. “Today women are coming out of their homes,” said a passionate Captain George “The future is bright, we have not lost hope.”
Beside strongly urging for more awareness and initiatives for women and the differently abled, Captain George made a significant remark such that, “Support for women in sports should not come merely as a ‘sympathy’ or ‘help’” but requires practical approach to it combined with empathy, which he says will go a long way in women empowerment and development and progress of the society.
Farooq and Jamshenpa do not keep themselves basked in their glory, and have not stopped there. They dream to further their position as achievers to give back to the society. Farooq dreams to open an academy and train students in martial arts to defend themselves in the future, while Jamshenpa has been running an adventure sports academy for the past more than a decade.
Jamshenpa’s advice for aspiring women in sports is, “Take a stand, with a fixed mindset to achieve your goal”. “It is all in the mind” she said, “Face problems with patience”. Farooq says “Do not be disheartened, join sports, even if for self-defense, it is worthwhile for a normal and happy life, it will help tackle all situations in life”. Captain George believes that women must take up sports – especially those that are based on teams- that will help develop discipline, friendship, and cooperation. “This will help you grow not only physically, but through your confidence and independence in life,” said Captain George.
They urged for a proper mechanism to draw more women into sports. Enterprises like more seminars, platforms like this – HER-WORLD talk shows.
Beside calling for wider support in terms of resources and infrastructure, Captain George feels that sensitization of the public must be taken up, and that such ingenuities should reach the larger audience, which he feels could be brought in through visuals and films. He fondly remembers Chak!De as one of the films that everyone recalls and enjoyed. Dangal is another highest-grossing Indian film which came to mind, which touches upon both family relations and female protagonists participating in men-dominant sports.
With the current pandemic constraining our lives, I think an empowering female led sports film would certainly create a larger social consciousness geared towards making sports more accessible to women and girls, as well bring people together in a safe and masked way!
