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FIGHTING BACK // INDIA 2024

In the heartlands of this country, where patriarchal norms often dictate the lives of women, a group of resilient female wrestlers is fighting not just on the mats, but against a deeply system that seeks to control their destinies. In Haryana, where wrestling has long been a male-dominated sport, young women like these wrestlers defy expectations with their short haircuts, loose-fitting shorts, and T-shirts. They are often mistaken for boys, a subtle act of rebellion in a society where a woman's worth is too often tied to her physical appearance — her skin tone, hair length, and the honor attached to her clothes and marriage choices.

 

The rise of female wrestlers in India, especially from rural regions, represents a quiet revolution where athleticism becomes a vehicle for empowerment in a country bound by patriarchal values. However, the reality for these female wrestlers is far from straightforward. On the surface, wrestling is celebrated as a means for women to escape the confines of domesticity and break free from the expectations of marriage and motherhood. But beneath this narrative lies a complex and often painful truth. The struggle of female wrestlers in India is a reflection of the broader societal battle against patriarchal oppression. While wrestling offers an escape, it also exposes them to abuse and exploitation.

 

The case of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), who faced serious allegations of harassment, revealed the rot within the system. Despite the protests by top wrestlers, many, like Usha Sharma Sihag, a coach from Hisar, believe that these athletes see wrestling as their only escape from a life of domesticity, making the fight against entrenched patriarchy an uphill battle. In fact, the majority of athletes remain reluctant to speak out, fearing the loss of a career they’ve worked so hard to build.

 

As India prepares for the 2024 Olympics, where female wrestlers from the region will again represent the nation, their fight extends beyond the mat challenging centuries of tradition, one victory at a time. They are not only battling their opponents, but a system that seeks to control their voices, their bodies, and their dreams.