Break gender bias in sports, says Mithali Raj

Hyderabad: “Mhaari choriyan choron se kam he ke?” Earlier this year, on July 23, this line from Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Dangal was trending on social media, WhatsApp and even in the general public’s discussion, courtesy the Indian women’s cricket team spirited display on the global platform.

Though the Mithali Raj led side failed to lift the World Cup, they laid the foundation stone, one that changed people’s perspective towards women’s cricket. “Well, I have often said that it’s good that women’s cricket has changed the perception of the general public and I think now onwards, we will see more engagement in the game. Many more matches will also be telecasted,” said Mithali while talking to this paper.

The India women’s skipper also added that many young girls were coming forward to excel in the sport. “There are many girls who are opting cricket as their career at a young age. We have some in our side (Railways) too. We can see now, girls enrolling in different academies which is a good thing,” she said.

Mithali is currently leading the Railways in the senior women’s one-day league. Her side have ticked all the correct boxes in the four matches they played, to stay on top of Elite Group A with 16 points followed by Andhra (12) and Hyderabad (4).

Mithali, who is an inspiration to millions of girls across the nation, has thrown her weight against discrimination in sports. “Sports should not be gender biased, irrespective of whatever the game one is playing. Everyone should get an equal opportunity to take a go and excel in their career,” said the Indian batswoman, who has the most number of runs (6,190) to her name.

She sought to motivate girls, not to give up easily: “It’s your dream and you should have the courage to pursue it, irrespective of the resources you get.”

“Everybody does not get the right kind of opportunity or platform, you have to work hard to create one for yourself. It’s always hardwork in the initial stages, which however, pays off and people start recognising your worth,” said the right-hand batswoman.

In the past too, Mithali has batted for a women’s IPL and the skipper feels that this initiative will help to build a strong domestic platform for the women cricketers.

“I think this is up to the BCCI to think about, but as a player, I would say that if such a league takes place (IPL), it is good for women’s domestic cricket. It will further help to reduce the gap between domestic and Internationals, like we have seen in the men’s cricket,” Mithali said.