A few memories of our childhood are etched in our mind all through our life. One of them for me is how much fascinated I was by outdoor games and sports when I was a child. I was an athletic and sporty sort of girl. Right from the childhood, I played outdoor games more than the indoor ones –took delight in that workout which tested me out rather than games that confined me to a place indoors. But more I think of it, I wonder, why do Indian women not play enough sport?
While we are seeing more sporting icons on television and around us, for most part of our society, nothing has changed.
As someone who believe sport is also a good way of spending me-time, women should encourage to be adventurous and sport loving from their early childhood. Gyming or exercising or taking up something regularly is a way of finding ourselves too. I make sure that I spend at least some time in exercising or playing outdoor games and encourage the same in my child also. But I am an exception and not the norm.
- Regular exercise
- Healthy and balanced diet
- Drinking enough water
- Sound sleep
- Some weight lifting exercises
We even discount how sports can be a mood lifter via the good hormones it brings. I could say this with confidence, it's helped me stay sharp and strong and enthusiastic about life.
During my childhood, after coming back from school I used to play badminton for at least an hour with my friends.We had a badminton court in our premises. I could recall I used to play with a lot of passion and interest. I played until my feet hurt and arms ached. However, it made me feel cheered up.
The recent Olympic performance by Indian women, and a general focus on fitness post COVID shows if women want to take these up, they will excel and benefits from it. When will we start realising that Indian women are made of solid stuff - breaking gender stereotypes and winning their games in what were called "unsuitable sports" like wrestling, boxing, kabaddi and weightlifting. Shall we take some inspiration from them?
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