Sporting bodies in India have traditionally been male-dominated, but the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association (MSKA) is all set to break the gender barrier when they will introduce not one
Suvarna Bartakke
Sporting bodies in India have traditionally been male-dominated, but the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association (MSKA) is all set to break the gender barrier when they will introduce not one, but two former women kabaddi players who will be part of the association from this year.
MSKA amended their constitution during the Annual General Meeting on Sunday to reserve the post of vice-president and joint secretary especially for women. The move will be made official at the elections on May 27. Though credit goes to MSKA, it was Shakuntala Khatavakar, the first woman Arjun awardee kabaddi player (in 1978), who worked hard in the last five years, to ensure her plan came to fruition.
Shakuntala Khatavakar
'Women deserve it'
"There are a lot of capable women kabaddi players who can work efficiently as officials too. I thank MSKA for amending their constitution to give women their rights. I am confident that women officials can contribute with their knowledge and experience to the game," Khatavakar, who was a member of the Maharashtra team that won 12 national championships, told mid-day over the phone from Pune yesterday.
MSKA joint secretary Aswad Patil would like district kabaddi associations to adopt the same move as well. "As officials, women can present their problems to the association. We can't make it compulsory for the district associations because it's their prerogative, but we will request them by sending a circular. If they take the same decision, it will benefit kabaddi," said Patil.
'Easier to tackle issues'
India women's 2012 World Cup-winning team member, Suvarna Bartakke, felt MSKA's decision will help women kabaddi players address their issues easily. "There are various issues which women kabaddi players face. They feel awkward while communicating their problems to male officials. Now, with women becoming office-bearers, it will be convenient to speak to them. It's a positive step," she said.
Meanwhile, Kabaddi administrator Shashi Raut, who has been associated with the game in different capacities for the last 20 years, reckoned that in addition to women office-bearers, it's important for kabaddi to have a selection committee that includes only women. "There are adequate number of women coaches, referees and former kabaddi players. You have to think about a selection committee for the women's team which consists only of women,"
said Raut.
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