Indian politician Mahua Moitra recently took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by questioning their views on female athletes not being “sanskari” or cultured enough. Moitra, a member of the All India Trinamool Congress, made the comment in response to a statement made by a BJP member of parliament, who had criticized the clothing worn by female badminton players at the Tokyo Olympics. The BJP member had suggested that the players’ attire was not in keeping with India’s culture and values.
Moitra took to Twitter to criticize the BJP’s stance, asking if female athletes needed to be “sanskari” to represent India at the Olympics. She went on to question the double standards within Indian society, where women are expected to conform to traditional roles and cultural norms, while men are given more freedom to pursue their ambitions. Moitra’s comments have sparked a debate on social media, with many people expressing their support for her views.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by female athletes in India and the need for greater acceptance and support for women in sports. Despite some progress in recent years, women in India still face significant barriers when it comes to pursuing sports, including limited access to facilities, funding, and support. Additionally, many traditional cultural attitudes continue to view women’s participation in sports as inappropriate or immodest.
Moitra’s comments have brought attention to the need for a shift in these cultural attitudes and greater recognition of the achievements of female athletes. By challenging the BJP’s views on what it means to be “sanskari”, she has sparked an important conversation on gender equality and the role of women in sports.
In conclusion, Moitra’s comments reflect a broader debate on the treatment of female athletes in India and the need for greater support and recognition. The sports community in India should prioritize inclusivity, equity, and diversity, and work towards creating a culture that values women’s participation in sports. The hashtag #SanskariNahinSaksham should be used to highlight the need for women’s empowerment and gender equality in sports.