Women’s recreational sport finds a growing space in India

Hindustan Times reports that Sisters in Sweat (SIS), an organisation promoting recreational sport for women, has grown from a WhatsApp group of 17 women playing football in 2017 to a community of over 12,000 women and girls across seven Indian cities. The group offers multiple formats including basketball, pickleball, swimming, tennis, a run club, and yoga, according to COO Kriti Kanthi.

SIS was founded by former national hockey player Swetha Subbiah and national-level football player Tanvie Hans. Subbiah said many women feel self-conscious and intimidated by male-dominated turfs. "For many women, the barrier to movement is confidence and belonging," Kanthi said. Members join for physical activity or to escape routine, with Subbiah noting that sport gives them decision-making power and identity.

The report also highlights a surge in competitive women's sport in India, with women winning 8 of 13 gold medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. It cites stories of athletes like Asmita Dey, a judoka from Tripura who ended India's gold drought in the sport since 1990, and para-athlete Sharmila Dhanker, who started shot put at age 34.