Aditya School of Sports also known as ASOS organized a panel discussion to start a dialogue, celebrate and promote the participation of women in sports. The discussion was organized in March as this month International Women’s Day is celebrated.

Gracing the panel discussion was Mehuli Ghosh, Indian sport shooter, Saheli Dhar Barua, chess player, Rutuja Pawar, strength and conditioning coach of ASOS Residential Academy, and others.

With only thirty percent of women actively engaged in sports, ASOS aims to provide any athlete irrespective of their background or gender a foundation for any sport.

“The problem with the audience reaction is what creates stress on the minds of the sportsperson. If a sportsperson fails to get a medal, then it becomes the loss of pride for an entire nation. That becomes a huge responsibility and creates extreme pressure on the sportsperson. One must remember that all athletes do their best. A fraction of a second change determines the winner” said Mehuli Ghosh.

Ritika Phogat committed suicide as she thought that she was not as successful as the other Phogat sisters. “She lost by one point in the final. However, you can imagine how much stress she was in, that she had to take this extreme step of committing suicide” added Mehuli Ghosh.

The discussion ended with highlighting the ample achievements of the sportswomen in the different sports events. The speakers also highlighted the fact that the sportsperson should be congratulated for their efforts and not stressed if they lose at an event.

Priyanka Dutta