S03E03: Un-stereotyping the female Athlete Ft. Manasi Joshi

Intersectional Feminism—Desi Style!

The whole idea of how a sportsperson should be is constructed from a very masculine perspective, where even men are required to perform hypermasculinity to be taken seriously. Sports is also a career choice that a lot more individuals are pursuing today, compared to older times. We are also witnessing the entry of numerous female and queer athletes into various sports, where they thrive and shine. In this background, it is quite intriguing to understand what it means to be a woman in sports. Does she also have to embrace the hypermasculine construct of how a sportsperson should seem? Does she get paid fair wages? What does she do if a crisis arises in the workplace, who does she take this up with?

Joining our hosts Shriya and Sukanya in this episode is the pioneer and champion India para-badminton athlete, Manasi Joshi! Manasi is the current World No. 1 in women's singles and she has also been listed as the Next Generation Leader 2020 by TIME Magazine in October 2020 and she appeared on their Asia cover, making her the first para-athlete in the world and the first Indian athlete to be featured on the magazine's cover for being an advocate of rights for people with disabilities. She also recently received the Arjuna Award for her exceptional contribution to sports. Tune in as we discuss women in sports, her challenges as a para-athlete, understanding disability, and sports, and much more!

Concept and communications: Japleen Pasricha
Producer: Shriya Roy
Hosts: Sukanya Shaji and Shriya Roy
Cover Art by Shreya Tingal