‘Boys in the spectator stands cheer them on’

Representation Pic

When I started coaching football in Hinganghat (Wardha, Maharashtra) more than two decades ago, I recall the challenges of bringing girls onto the football field were huge. I literally had to go to parents' homes and coax them to let their girls play football.

While at times I was welcomed and families did listen to my point of view, about why I thought their girl was talented and could make her mark as a footballer, there were occasions when I was greeted with suspicion bordering on hostility.

Yet, as a football coach, one has to persevere, and also act as a talent scout. I used to visit so many school tourneys in the district and see girls playing kabaddi, running, shot put and discus. If I thought this girl has the potential to be a good footballer, I would try and convince her to play football.

In a small town initially, some parents opposed sporty attire. Our girls will not wear shorts and track pants and play, they told me. That was yet another barrier, but slowly mindsets did start changing. For many, it may seem ordinary, but the football uniform is tremendously empowering for many of these girls. Something as simple as shorts, T-shirts, and football shoes means they have made a choice, they have agency and they are unafraid of expressing it.

Earlier, I used to notice girls in the spectator stands or on the periphery of the field, watching their brothers play. Today, it is not surprising to see the girls playing on the field themselves, and some of them are even cheered on by their brothers and fathers.

Also read: Vasai-Virar housing scam: Despite crackdown, illegal flats still being sold by real estate agents

Having said that there is still some way to go, as there is still that pressure to marry off girls early. Sometimes, parents need convincing to send their girls to places away from the home district matches. As their girls are reaching their peak as footballers, marriage pressure builds and that can mean the end of playing the game.

The FIFA World Cup then is so inspirational for these young women and their families. The latter especially, learn so much about global acceptance, and the avenues that open up and seeing the crowds and attendance at the matches is an eye-opener too.

In our times, even the smallest town does not live in a bubble. The television, internet have brought the world into homes. The FIFA World Cup will surely aid in transformation. One more barrier smashed, one kick (I daresay) to outdated, stifling patriarchy that permeates the sporting landscape for women and progress means living up to football's definition - the beautiful game.

As told to Hemal Ashar

Mustafa Baksh is a football coach in Hinganghat in Wardha district Maharashtra and has his own Kids Bright Future Sporting Club