New Delhi, 14 March (H.S.): Indian women's cricket all-rounder Deepti Sharma has called for greater encouragement and support to boost girls' participation in sports. She believes the rising recognition and achievements of female athletes are reshaping mindsets across the country.
Speaking at the launch of a BBC and Collective Newsroom report on women's involvement in sports on Saturday, Sharma emphasized initiatives that highlight and honor women athletes. These efforts, she said, play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation.
Sharma reflected, “The journey so far has been rewarding. I’ve seen many women in India and worldwide gaining support through such initiatives. It’s heartening that so many award winners hail from India.”
According to the report, women's participation in cricket has doubled across 14 Indian states surveyed since 2020, rising from 5% to 10%. Among girls aged 15-24, it surged from 6% to 16%.
The study, based on a Kantar survey of over 10,000 people from December 2025 to January 2026, also revealed that 26% of young women now consider sports as a career option, up from 16% in 2020.Sharma noted that growing success and popularity in women's cricket and other sports are fueling dreams among more girls.
“Post-World Cup, mindsets have shifted dramatically. From young girls to adults, many now aspire to become cricketers or engage in sports.”The off-spinner added that athletes bear a responsibility to motivate the youth.
“I want to inspire as many young girls and the next generation as possible, ensuring they receive ample encouragement and envision a brighter future in sports.”
The report further highlighted a rise in viewership for women's sports, with 51% of respondents having watched coverage in the past six months. Women's cricket events have seen notable increases in audiences.
Rajya Sabha MP and BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla described the research as a positive step toward recognizing and motivating female athletes.
“This is a fantastic initiative. BBC has consistently championed not just cricket but women in various sports.”He added that such programs and awards provide honor and visibility, while studies like this foster understanding of public perceptions and spark discussions on women's sports.
Despite progress, the report pointed to persistent barriers like safety concerns, time constraints, and social stereotypes around women's sports. Sustained efforts are essential to advance women and create more opportunities.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
