Rugby Player Priya Bansal Celebrates Women's Day and Government Support for Viksit Bharat
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Synopsis
Rugby player Priya Bansal reflects on her journey overcoming challenges in a male-dominated sport during International Women's Day, praising government support and the Prime Minister's vision for a developed India.
Key Takeaways
- Priya Bansal faced significant challenges in rugby.
- She has represented India for over a decade.
- Government and societal support are crucial for women's sports.
- Marriage is a consideration, but career goals are a priority.
- Viksit Bharat is a vision that women can help achieve.
New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) On the occasion of International Women's Day, rugby player Priya Bansal looked back on the many challenges she faced to succeed in a sport often viewed as a male-dominated field. When she first began, Priya not only lacked support but also faced the possibility of an early marriage. Despite these obstacles, she has represented her country for over a decade and is currently employed as a teacher in Rewari, Haryana.
Coming from a family background that did not encourage women to engage in sports, Priya has achieved remarkable success, competing at the Asian level for 10 years without any recognition. She stated, "The most significant challenge I encountered was the underdevelopment of rugby in India. I began playing in 2011, yet my efforts went unappreciated. My upbringing discouraged girls from wearing shorts, making friends, or going out. In 2012, I was selected for the national team but faced pressure to marry instead.
"I had to choose between marriage and my place on the Indian team. I persevered, stayed true to my aspirations, and ultimately represented the Indian team. It was a transformative moment in my life," Priya shared with IANS.
Priya is determined to continue representing India. While she acknowledges that marriage is on the horizon, it will only happen after achieving her career goals. "I have defied the tradition of early marriage," she proudly stated.
She emphasized that both the government and society have become increasingly supportive of women's participation in diverse fields. "My family, the government, and society have all been incredibly supportive. My achievements are possible because of my family's encouragement. We come from a background where girls are advised against wearing shorts or socializing with boys. However, my father stood by me, always saying, 'Go ahead, I am with you.' The government's role has been pivotal, especially when rugby was relatively unknown during my early days in the sport.
Regarding the Prime Minister's initiative for India's development, Priya expressed her approval. "Today, women are making strides in every sector. The Prime Minister's vision for India aims to foster comprehensive development across all domains. We now have tournaments year-round, and the number of medals we win in the Olympics has increased from two to seven or nine," she noted. She mentioned various schemes and programs that have been instituted to support development across sectors.
On the topic of a Viksit Bharat, she acknowledged that while considerable progress has been made, India has yet to be classified as a developed nation. "However, we have reached a commendable level," she remarked.
Priya believes that women can significantly contribute to the Prime Minister's vision for Viksit Bharat. "The respect shown to women in Delhi is motivating. We can inspire others, particularly young girls in rural areas. Our roles as role models can greatly influence societal development and have a substantial impact on young minds," she concluded.
