Contribution of Women in Sports in Maharashtra

Women’s participation in sports has seen significant growth over the past few decades in India, and Maharashtra, being one of the prominent states in the country, has contributed immensely to this progress. However, despite the rising involvement of women in sports, challenges such as societal attitudes, inadequate infrastructure, lack of financial support, and limited access to training facilities still exist. This study explores the extent of women’s participation in sports in Maharashtra, examines the barriers they face, and assesses the contribution of educational institutions and government policies in promoting female athletes. A survey was conducted among sports teachers in senior secondary schools and colleges to understand the ground realities and gather data regarding female athletes’ participation, challenges, and achievements. The research findings indicate that while several female athletes from Maharashtra have gained recognition at national and international levels, the overall participation rate remains low due to systemic barriers. The study emphasizes the need for policy improvements, better infrastructure, and greater societal support to encourage more women to take part in sports. The findings also offer insights into future interventions to enhance the role of women in sports within the state.