Recently “The Day I Became Runner”, a book narrating the story of the lives of eight Indian athletes and one running school from the 1930s to the present moment, was released by Harper Collins.
The author, Sohini Chattopadhyay is a journalist and National Award-winning film critic. She is also a recipient of the New India Foundation fellowship and has been bestowed with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award and the Human Rights Press Awards citation, among others.
In an interview with Asian Voice, she speaks about the representation of women through a sports lens.
What inspired you to write a book on sports stories with a special focus on women athletes, specifically runners?
In 2012, the horrifying murder and rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student in Delhi shocked the nation. Although on a break from journalism, I couldn't help but reflect on the countless story ideas on sexual assault that had been rejected. Following the incident, an MP referred to the protesters as "dented-painted women," drawing widespread criticism. This narrative of victim-shaming was also apparent in the close circles around me. This made me realise that women in India often lack legitimacy outside the confines of their homes.
I believe that sports provide women with a platform to step out into the public sphere. It became clear to me that the concepts of nationalism and organised sport are inextricably linked to one another. To focus my research, I decided to examine running, a sport with minimal equipment and no need for a team. This made running an ideal choice for a comprehensive examination offering the broadest perspective for studying the impact of women in the realm of sports.
How do you see the role of sports in promoting gender equality and empowerment in India and inspiring future generations of sports enthusiasts?
Sports offer a unique pathway to achieving gender equality as it has a broader appeal. It is open to a much larger and more diverse group of people, including opportunities for individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including those from less privileged and impoverished circumstances.
In my book, I talk about the Sunrise Project, a long-distance running training initiative for rural teenagers in Maharashtra, open to both girls and boys. Physical education teachers have reported that more parents expressing a desire to enrol their daughters in the program, due to the low-level government jobs it can lead to.
The teachers also advise the parents of these sportswomen to treat their daughters with the same nourishment and support they provide to their sons. At their most fundamental level, sports have the power to drive change, beginning with basic nutrition.
Could you share some unexpected stories of female athletes that you discovered during your research for the book?
Observing these incredible athletes and their remarkable achievements is truly inspiring. However, what struck me most was the story of the Sunrise Project. While I was aware of significant gender discrimination in the Indian subcontinent, including countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, the extent to which it permeates daily life, was a surprise.
I also distinctly recall the story of Dutee Chand's sister. Hailing from the weavers' caste, she became the first person in her family to secure a job outside the traditional livelihood. Her accomplishment was no small feat, as she went on to become a constable with the Odisha police, symbolising a significant shift in opportunities and horizons for her family.
In your opinion, what are some common challenges or threats faced by women athletes? Particularly in challenging the patriarchal norms and stereotypes associated with sports and gender roles?
One can definitely think of the sexual harassment in women's wrestling in India. Given the physical nature of the sport, this problem is more prevalent than many would like to admit, which is evident from the long-standing protests by women wrestlers who have demanded justice.
I found this to be a significant challenge, compounded by the patriarchal mindset and conservatism prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Families often discourage their daughters from participating in sports due to concerns surrounding harassment and the prevailing societal norms.
What were the challenges that you faced while writing this book?
Athletes and sports people typically express themselves through their physical performances. My project relies on words, so there was initially a mismatch in communication. They often conveyed the sentiment that "there's nothing to say." This required a keen ability to interpret their thoughts and feelings.
To bridge this gap, I made extensive efforts to understand and connect with these athletes. Each interview was preceded by thorough research and during the interviews, I found that discussing everyday topics, like the weather, helped them feel more at ease and recall their experiences.
What do you think the government should do to uplift runners?
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) conducts national camps. However, the number of such schemes and the capacity to accommodate athletes are quite limited. To enhance India's sports infrastructure and talent pool, the government should consider emulating the private-sector model. While private individuals have shown the drive and resources to establish excellent sports academies, the government can expand its role in this aspect. Athletes are drawn to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) due to the enticing benefits it provides.
The government should substantially increase its sports budget, prioritising support for athletes over administrative infrastructure. By directing resources towards sportspeople and their development, India can aspire to reach a level where it can compete for more gold medals and earn a higher position on the global sports stage.
How has the nature of sports changed over the past few years?
One of the most significant changes I've observed in the world of sports is the increasing specialisation of athletes. Take Mary D'Souza, for example; she was a double international athlete who also played hockey, which would be nearly impossible today. In the present era, sports have become highly specialised. The level of competition has risen significantly, and athletes must focus on a single discipline. While PT Usha represented India across multiple events, today, the athletes tend to narrow their focus. They concentrate on specific areas and the specialisation is evident.