Gopen Rai
Around the world, women’s sports are consistently thought of as subpar to the games men play. Female athletes are relegated to the sidelines of national conversation. They get less coverage in the media, are treated with less respect and receive smaller paychecks than their male counterparts.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Nepali Times caught up with a few female athletes who have done the nation proud in recent international tournaments.
A bright spot amidst Nepal’s lacklustre performance in the 12th South Asian Games were the three gold medals, two of which were brought home by women. Sixteen-year-old wushu phenom Nima Gharti Magar (pictured) bagged the first gold for Nepal in the 12 day-long event.
Competing in her first international event, Magar resolutely stated that “girls are not weaker than boys” after clinching the gold, proving that girls are not inferior when it comes to physical tasks.
Magar considers herself lucky to have such a strong support system at home and at practice, and credits her family, seniors and coaches for her success. “I never had to face any discrimination while training or performing in events,” says Magar, who is competing in a field still dominated by men.
Still, Magar’s friends who began training at the same time quit because of lack of support. Magar wants to encourage other girls who feel passionate about sports to pursue their dreams.
For now, the 10th grader is concentrating on her studies but says she will get back to training as soon as the exams are over.