When
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu
dropped the barbell with a successful 109 kg lift, thunderous applause roared through the hall. Chanu only stepped back gently, with her usual smile and humble 'Namaste'. Everyone was awed by the way Chanu went on to not only register India's first Gold this Commonwealth Games, but also to write a new record to her name. This is after
Sanket Sagar
's silver and P Gururaja's bronze, which opened India's account.
For 11 days, the entire nation was following up on this mega event with bated breath. As the curtains fell, a triumphant Indian contingent returned with one of the best performances at the Commonwealth Games with 61 medals - 22 gold, 16 silver, and 23 bronze, that too without the inclusion of shooting, one of our strong points. There cannot be a better time to celebrate this victory than the month the nation is observing 75th Independence Day as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
On the brink of victory, all athletes also resonated with their stories of perseverance and agility in the face of adversity. These stories may be more challenging for women contingent, who triumphed not only by the bars set by their immediate competitors, but also by the bars set by society, family, and other external authorities. From
Sushila Devi Likmabam
, and Tulika Maan's silver in Judo to
Sakshi Malik
, and Vinesh Phogat's individual gold in wrestling; from
Nitu Ghangas
and
Nikhat Zareen
's individual gold to PV
Sindhu
's gold in badminton, we've seen some incredible performances this year. Our women's hockey team also clinched bronze in a nail-biting match.
Apart from the regular action, India also awakened to witness a 'new' sport, Lawn Balls, where our Women's fours team struck gold. Progressing slowly but with great precision and dedication in a sport that was almost alien to an entire nation, and then winning the first ever medal and that too gold, is truly incredible. It is interesting to note that the team comprising
Rupa Rani Tirkey
, Lovely Choubey, Pinki Singh and Nayanmoni Saikia all had different beginnings.
Rupa was once a kabaddi player, Nayanmoni a weightlifter, Pinki a cricketer, while Lovely was a sprinter. They all chose to tread on a path less taken and have achieved glory in that.The glory, however, is not singular for women in sports. As much as it is imbibed with the hurdles of the past, going ahead, it provides a sense of empowerment to them, an empowerment sport is providing in current times. Sport has the power to unite everyone irrespective of caste, creed, or gender in achieving the ultimatum both personally and professionally. We shall, however, also acknowledge how some world events included women's participation in some sports very lately.
The glory, however, is not singular for women in sports. As much as it is imbibed with the hurdles of the past, going ahead, it provides a sense of empowerment to them, an empowerment sport is providing in current times. Sport has the power to unite everyone irrespective of caste, creed, or gender in achieving the ultimatum both personally and professionally. We shall, however, also acknowledge how some world events included women's participation in some sports very lately.
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