On 18th August, Indians across the country and the world celebrated the age-old festival of Raksha Bandhan, which symbolizes the protective role which brothers are supposed to play in their sisters’ lives. It is befitting then that on this day, one Indian girl shattered all these stereotypes at world’s biggest sporting event, and showed that perhaps, it is time for these archaic and chauvinistic practices to be restructured.
Closely following on the heels of wrestler Sakshi Malik, who won the Bronze for wrestling at Rio 2016 (the first Indian woman to do so), 21 year old PV Sindhu, wrote Olympic history, when she became the first Indian woman to reach the final of women’s badminton (singles). Daughter of two volleyball players, PV Ramana and P Vijaya, Sindhu was coached with great determination and diligence by badminton legend Pullella Gopichand. A debutante at Olympics, Sindhu played a thrilling match which lasted 51 minutes, beating reigning All England champion, Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara, with a scoreline of 21-19, 21-10, and firmly secured an Olympic medal in the Indian kitty. Now what remains to be seen is whether she wins a Silver, or a Gold, against Spanish player Carolina Marin, today evening.
While we are disappointed at India’s overall performance at #Rio2016, and wish that the Indian administration takes strong steps to better the infrastructure and facilities provided to sportspersons, it is heartening to note that Indian women have shined bright with their match winning performances. They have managed to overcome not only the odds of being sportspersons in a country, which doesn’t value any sport apart from cricket, but also the odds which their gender places them with. We at CSR, are extremely proud of Sakshi Malik and PV Sindhu, for showing us that women have as much ability and potential to succeed as men, and must be encouraged and given equal opportunity in all fields. Here, we would also like to give a very special mention to gymnast Dipa Karmakar. While she narrowly missed a podium finish despite a stellar performance, we are highly appreciative of the fact that she has put India on the global stage with respect to gymnastics.
A big salute to all these girls!
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