Ashwini Nachappa, Jwala Gutta, Joshna Chinappa, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam and Vinesh Phogat- five women who have brought laurels to India in several international sporting tournaments were all at one stage at the second edition of ABP Network Ideas of India on Friday. In a conversation with anchor and journalist Radhika Bajaj, who was moderating the session on the topic: "Fight Like A Woman: Guts, Grit and Glory", the five ladies spoke about issues plaguing the Indian sporting ecosystem and suggested solutions to overcome the same.
On Sexual Misconduct in Indian Sports
Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who led the protest against the Wrestling Federation of India and alleged its President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual misconduct, said that it took many years for the issue to be discussed with such seriousness. The two-time world championship bronze medallist said that she is an outspoken personality and always likes to speak her mind especially when it comes to standing against the wrong.
She said that even someone like her took long to speak on the issue. She reasoned that this because the people she was up against were very powerplay. However, when it was a threat to the sport of wrestling and their participation in it, there was no option but to speak up. She added that they had crossed the threshold of fear which is what pushed them to take the step.
Elaborating on the issue, ace Indian shutter Jwala Gutta, who had brought the issue up during the Me Too movement said that it was heartening to see the kind of support, especially from the male wrestlers that Vinesh was getting. The 2010 Commonwealth Games Delhi gold medallist said that she was isolated and had to resort to legal measures. The 39-year-old said that Vinesh's gesture of protesting against the administration is a welcome step.
Ashwini Nachappa, the senior most the panel and one of India's foremost track and field star, said what has changed from the 1980s to the present day is that women have started to speak up more against such kind of injustices. Stories are being heard now as media is catching up which wasn't the case earlier. She echoed Phogat's views and noted that the Indian sports is being run by politicians from past many decades. However, she blamed sportsperson's reluctance to speak up as also one of the reasons behind the situation of the Indian sporting ecosystem.
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, former India hockey skipper, agreed that while some things have changed but a lot of other things need to be in place. Squash star Joshna Chinappa said admitted that she did have her share of troubles with the administration but things have started to change that.
On Support From Family
One common thing among the success stories of the five women on panel was the support from their families. Gutta then summed it up when she said: "Behind every successful woman is a progressive man." Ashwini Nachappa too was on the same page and highlighted that a state like Haryana would never be able to unearth women sporting talent if not for their fathers who pushed them into sports.
Athletes' Demand From Administration
When quizzed what exactly do athletes want from the sporting administration she said that she would want more athletes to come into the administration, giving an example of PT Usha who recently became President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Even though Ashwini said that perhaps the participating players might not be able to speak freely on the issue, Phogat said that they have gone way deep into this fight to now take a U-turn. "Jaan hatheli par hai ab to," she said.
On how the situation could change
Gutta pointed out then when an athlete returns with a medal everyone takes pride but before that the attitude of the people and society needs to change. "Attitude needs to change," she said while talking about the inequality and controlled environment.
Phogat said that politics and sports should be kept separate which would solve a lot of problems while Gutta demanded a good programme for coaches, noting a dearth of coaches in the country.
Ashwini Nachappa stressed on education and security for sports to flourish in the country.
Favourite sport other than their own
When asked by Radhika to name their favourite sport other than their own, Phogat said that tennis was her first love and confessed that she is a huge Sania Mirza fan and would want to meet her someday. Joshna Chinappa replied badminton. She said that she tried hockey but found it the hardest sport to excel in. To this the hockey star Sushila said that if given an alternate choice, she would choose badminton. The badminton star in the house Gutta said even she started with tennis but her parents wanted to take up something indoor. Ashwini Nachappa chose hockey but said that she has now taken up golf.
Favourite sport-based movie
While Gutta replied Goal and Ashwini added that while she isn't a movie buff, she enjoyed watching Goal too. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam picked Chak De India while Joshna Chinappa picked Chak De India and Mary Kom. Vinesh also said Chak de India and Mary Kom but didn't pick wrestling based movie Dangal reasoning that the movie didn't reflect what they actually went through as wrestlers.
What motivates them?
Vinesh said that the support of the family is a huge motivator while the fact that their never-die attitude serves as an inspiration to others is also a huge motivator. Joshna Chinappa said that playing for India is her biggest motivator. Sushila said that the hardwork that she puts in with her teammates acts as a motivation for her. Gutta then said that as kid she didn't know what determination or dedication meant but the motivation came from her parents.
Ashwini Nachappa also agreed that family does serve as a motivator but she said that one also needs to be self motivated.
About Ideas Of India
This was the last session in the second installment of the ABP Network Ideas Of India Summit. The session will resume on February 25 where notable figures from various backgrounds will express their viewpoints on significant topics and concerns, covering a broad range of issues such as the climate crisis and India's emergence as a key global player.
During the event, the presenters will discuss their opinions on defining the concept of 'Naya India' and how the nation can fast track its journey of being a developed country.