Indian cricketer Deepti Sharma has emphasised the importance of encouraging young girls to take up sport, stating that the growing visibility of women athletes is gradually changing perceptions and inspiring a new generation across the country.
Speaking in New Delhi during the launch of a joint report by the BBC and Collective Newsroom on women’s participation in sport, Sharma highlighted how initiatives that recognise and celebrate women athletes are helping build confidence among young girls who aspire to pursue sporting careers.
“I want to support and inspire as many young girls and the next generation as possible so that they get more encouragement and can see a better future in sport,” Sharma said.
Changing Mindsets Through Visibility
Deepti Sharma, one of India’s most consistent performers in women’s cricket, noted that the increased visibility of women athletes in recent years has played a crucial role in shifting attitudes towards women’s participation in sport. Reflecting on her own journey, she said the support system around women’s sport has grown significantly compared to earlier years.
“It has been a good journey so far,” Sharma said. “As I have seen, many women in India and around the world are getting support through initiatives like this. It feels good that so many awardees have come from India.”
According to Sharma, international tournaments and global platforms have contributed greatly to raising awareness about women’s sport and motivating young girls to dream bigger.
“After the World Cup, there have been many changes in everyone’s mindset,” she said. “Whether it is a young girl or an adult, many now dream of becoming a cricketer or participating in sport.”
Participation in Women’s Cricket on the Rise
The report released at the event highlighted significant growth in women’s participation in cricket across India. According to the study, participation among women in the 14 Indian states surveyed has doubled since 2020, increasing from five percent to ten percent.
The rise is even more pronounced among younger women. Among those aged 15 to 24, participation in cricket has increased from six percent in 2020 to sixteen percent today, indicating growing interest among the next generation. The research was conducted by global insights firm Kantar, which surveyed more than 10,000 respondents between December 2025 and January 2026.
These findings reflect the impact of greater media coverage, expanding domestic tournaments, and the success of Indian women athletes on the global stage.
Another significant trend highlighted by the study is the increasing number of young women considering sport as a career. The report indicates that 26 percent of young women aged 15 to 24 have considered pursuing sport professionally, compared to 16 percent in 2020.
This shift suggests that sport is gradually being seen as a viable career option rather than merely a recreational activity. For athletes like Deepti Sharma, this transformation represents an important step forward for women’s sport in India.
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Sharma believes that professional athletes have a responsibility to inspire and support the younger generation. As one of the key members of the Indian women’s cricket team, she understands the influence that elite athletes can have on young aspiring players.
“When young girls see women athletes performing on big stages, it gives them confidence,” she said. “It shows them that they can also achieve similar dreams if they work hard.”
By sharing their journeys and experiences, athletes can help encourage more participation at the grassroots level, ultimately strengthening the overall sporting ecosystem.
Growing Audience for Women’s Sport
The study also pointed to an increase in the audience for women’s sports. Around 51 percent of respondents said they had followed coverage of women’s sport in the past six months, highlighting a growing interest among fans. The rising popularity of women’s cricket competitions in India has been one of the major contributors to this trend. Increased television coverage, digital platforms, and domestic leagues have helped bring women’s cricket closer to audiences across the country.
As viewership grows, experts believe that greater investment, sponsorship, and opportunities for women athletes will follow.
Despite the positive trends, the research also pointed out several challenges that continue to affect women’s participation in sport. Issues such as safety concerns, time constraints, and persistent stereotypes about women’s sport still act as barriers for many aspiring athletes.
Addressing these challenges will require sustained efforts from policymakers, sporting bodies, communities, and the media.
Encouraging Steps for Women’s Sport
Rajya Sabha MP and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla, who also spoke at the event, described the research as an important initiative in promoting women athletes.
“I think it is a wonderful initiative and a very good effort,” Shukla said. “The BBC has consistently encouraged women players, not just in cricket but across different sports.”
He added that initiatives and awards that recognise women athletes play an important role in giving them the respect and recognition they deserve.
“Studies like this help us understand people’s responses and encourage more discussion around women’s sport,” he said.
For Deepti Sharma, the growing interest in women’s sport represents a hopeful sign for the future. While challenges remain, the progress made in recent years shows that attitudes are gradually shifting. By continuing to highlight the achievements of women athletes and creating more opportunities for participation, Sharma believes that the next generation will have a stronger platform to pursue their sporting dreams.
And as she emphasised during the event, the ultimate goal is simple but powerful to ensure that every young girl with a sporting dream receives the encouragement she needs to pursue it.
