Who needs the FA? Sisters are doing it for themselves!

Hindu girls growing up have had very few, if any, role models in the sporting world that look like them or that they can identify with. UK Sport, Sport England, the FA and many other sporting organisations are constantly criticised for their lack of inclusivity and diversity but instead of complaining, Hindu Sevika Samiti UK (Samiti) decided over a decade ago to live up to their charity’s motto of Swayameva Mrugendrata - “we achieve by our own efforts” by fostering and supporting activities to encourage excellence in sport and physical pursuits for and by Hindu girls and women. They truly are doing it for themselves!

On 25^th March 2018, Samiti held its 8th National Khel Pratiyogita (Sports Competition). One of the largest gatherings of Hindu girls and women for a unique occasion where females compete in Indian originated sports. Over 350 girls and women of all ages from around the UK, came together with great enthusiasm and determination to support and play sports such as Kho Kho, Ring and Kabaddi. Before the sports competition, a lot of planning and preparation was definitely needed, in order to make it into the success it turned out to be. The discipline and dedication of the volunteer sevikas is something that has always made Hindu Sevika Samiti a one of a kind experience and the Khel competition was no exception.

The energy and excitement from every individual on the day was great to behold but just as important was the bonding and meeting between new and old friends.

Even though it was a day of competitions, where being competitive is natural, the focus on respect, sisterhood and unity always shone through. In addition, Khel Pratiyogita promoted an environment that encouraged girls and women to express their individual and team strength physically as well as intellectually as all the games required as much guile as they did physical prowess.

In this year when women globally #PressForProgress, the sevikas from Samiti proudly demonstrated (and chanted) Shakti Ka Naam Hai, Naari Hai! (The name of strength is womanhood!).