Addressing Menstrual Health: A Critical Need in Indian Sports
'We Just Had To Go With The Flow': The Menstrual Health Crisis Indian Sport Ignored For Decades
Image: Times Now News
Indian sports have long overlooked menstrual health, impacting female athletes' performance and participation. With 82% of female athletes reporting menstrual issues affecting their performance, experts emphasize the need for education and structural changes in training to support women in sports effectively.
- 0170% of Indian adolescents lack basic menstrual knowledge, leading to performance issues and dropout rates in sports.
- 0282% of female athletes report that menstruation affects their performance, highlighting a significant gap in support and education.
- 03Experts advocate for cycle-based training, which aligns training regimens with the hormonal phases of the menstrual cycle to enhance performance.
- 04Former Olympian Ashwini Nachappa emphasizes the importance of educating coaches about menstrual health to support athletes better.
- 05Dr. P.S.M Chandran notes that elite athletes worldwide manage their menstrual cycles strategically, a practice that needs to be adopted in India.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
For decades, Indian sports have celebrated the resilience of female athletes, often overlooking the critical issue of menstrual health. Athletes like discus thrower Seema Kaliramna share their struggles with performance during menstruation, pointing out that 82% of female athletes experience menstrual issues that impact their performance. Experts like sports physiotherapist Bushra Banu highlight alarming statistics, including that 70% of Indian adolescents lack basic menstrual knowledge, contributing to a significant dropout rate among girls in sports post-puberty. The conversation around menstrual health is shifting, with calls for cycle-based training that aligns athletic training with the hormonal phases of the menstrual cycle. This approach could lead to better performance and fewer injuries. Former Olympian Ashwini Nachappa stresses the importance of educating coaches about these issues, while Dr. P.S.M Chandran notes that elite athletes globally manage their cycles strategically. As India continues to grapple with these challenges, addressing menstrual health in sports is crucial for retaining female athletes and unlocking their full potential.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Improving menstrual health education and support in sports can significantly enhance female athlete retention and performance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How important do you think menstrual health education is for female athletes?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




