Has Southern Railway Launched Its First Women's Teams in Boxing, Weightlifting, and Table Tennis?
Synopsis
In a remarkable stride towards gender equality in sports, Southern Railway has launched its first women's teams in boxing, weightlifting, and table tennis. This initiative aims to empower female athletes and provide them with opportunities previously unavailable, fostering a new generation of champions.
Key Takeaways
Southern Railway has launched its first women's teams in boxing, weightlifting, and table tennis.
This initiative aims to empower female athletes and provide them with career opportunities.
Devarajan emphasizes the importance of this move for women's sports.
Tamanna becomes the first woman boxer for Southern Railway.
Similar recruitment efforts for other sports are underway.
Chennai, Sep 13 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative focused on empowering women and fostering athletic prowess, Southern Railway (SR) announced on Saturday the establishment of its inaugural women's teams in boxing, weightlifting, and table tennis.
This initiative is being celebrated as a significant step towards providing long-awaited opportunities for female athletes in the region, who have historically faced challenges in securing stable employment and institutional support despite their evident talent.
For years, Southern Railway has cultivated a robust sports ecosystem, primarily catering to male athletes, while women competitors have lacked a structured pathway.
Many female athletes have had to seek stable careers outside the zone, while their male counterparts enjoyed the benefits of railway support.
The new initiative aims to close this gap, presenting women athletes with not just a platform to compete but also a career trajectory through sports recruitment.
V. Devarajan, a former international boxer and sports officer at Southern Railway, emphasized the significance of this move.
"As a seasoned boxer, I've traveled nationwide and witnessed how other railway zones have been promoting women's boxing for years. Here, opportunities were nearly non-existent. This initiative finally presents women athletes in the South with a chance to excel," he stated.
Women's boxing was officially introduced in India in 2000, with various railway zones quickly adopting it.
Though delayed, Southern Railway's decision is regarded as a pivotal milestone in expanding female participation in competitive sports.
The first representative of this new chapter is Tamanna, a 19-year-old boxer from Haryana, who has become the first woman pugilist for Southern Railway in the 70-kg category.
"I came across the recruitment advertisement when I was 17 and eagerly awaited my 18th birthday to apply. I feel honored to be the first woman boxer on the team. My aspiration is to achieve glory at both national and international levels," she expressed with conviction.
Officials indicated that similar recruitment efforts for weightlifting and table tennis are also in progress, with young female athletes expected to join soon.
Through this initiative, Southern Railway aspires to not only cultivate champions but also motivate a new generation of sportswomen across the nation.
Point of View
Southern Railway's launch of women's teams marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards gender equity in sports. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of female athletes' contributions and potential, and it's a significant step in redefining opportunities for women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated arena.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports are included in the new women's teams?
The newly formed women's teams include boxing, weightlifting, and table tennis.
Who is the first woman boxer representing Southern Railway?
Tamanna, a 19-year-old boxer from Haryana, is the first woman pugilist representing Southern Railway in the 70-kg category.
Why is this initiative important for women athletes?
This initiative is crucial as it offers women athletes structured opportunities for competition and career growth, addressing the historical lack of support and recognition in sports.
What is the vision behind forming women's teams in Southern Railway?
The vision is to empower women athletes, provide them with a platform to showcase their talents and inspire future generations of sportswomen.
Are there plans for recruiting more women athletes in other sports?
Yes, Southern Railway is actively working on recruiting women athletes in weightlifting and table tennis as well.
