Women and Sports – Class 12 Physical Education Notes
Sports Participation of Women in India
The participation of women in sports in India is very limited. Gender inequality is clearly visible in almost every field, including sports. The problem is mainly socio-psychological rather than physical.
Although the Government of India introduced the National Sports Festival for Women to promote women’s participation, it did not bring significant improvement.
Reasons for Low Participation of Women in Sports
Time Constraints
Women often get less time for sports due to household responsibilities and family duties.Social Constraints
Society generally has a negative attitude towards women’s participation in sports and considers it inappropriate.Lack of Sports Infrastructure
There is a shortage of specialised coaching centres, training programmes and equipment suitable for women athletes.Absence of Skill and Coaches
Very few female coaches are available. Social limitations also reduce the effectiveness of male coaches training female athletes.Concerns for Personal Safety
Women hesitate to enter the male-dominated sports field due to fear of harassment, exploitation and safety issues.
Methods to Increase Women’s Participation in Sports
Women’s participation in sports can be increased through the following measures:
1. Coaching Programmes
Encourage women to take leadership roles in sports organisations
Provide proper technical training and guidance
Give positive and motivating feedback
Ensure women have a strong voice in decision-making
Maintain flexibility to meet women’s needs
2. Safety
Encourage group exercise and training
Provide separate and secure sports spaces for women
Ensure safe travel to and from training venues
3. Facilities
Provide separate changing rooms and washrooms
Consider hygiene needs of women and girls
Provide childcare facilities so mothers can participate without hesitation
Ensure sports areas are easily accessible
4. Price / Affordability
Reduce or remove participation fees for women
Provide travel and boarding concessions
Special Considerations Associated with Physiology
Women athletes require special care due to physiological changes during different stages of life.
Menarche
Menarche is the first menstrual cycle in girls, usually occurring between 9 to 15 years.
During this period:
Girls may feel emotional and stressed
Extra care, rest and emotional support are required
Proper nutrition is essential
Menstrual Dysfunction
Participation in intense physical training and endurance sports may disturb hormonal balance.
This can lead to:
Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
Hormonal imbalance
Fertility issues
Female Athlete Triad
The Female Athlete Triad is a syndrome commonly seen in teenage and adult female athletes who do not meet their energy requirements, leading to under-nutrition and poor performance.
Components of Female Athlete Triad
Osteoporosis
Condition in which bones become weak and brittle
Caused by low bone formation or excessive bone loss
Amenorrhea
Absence of menstrual periods
Caused by excessive exercise, stress and hormonal imbalance
Eating Disorders
Over-eating or under-eating
A mental disorder affecting physical and mental health
A female athlete may suffer from one, two or all three components.
Psychological Aspects of Women Athletes
1. Stress
Women athletes experience stress due to competition and male dominance, but they generally manage stress better because of strong social support.
2. Aggression
Women show lower levels of aggression and can control it better, which helps maintain discipline in sports.
3. Sensitivity
Women are more sensitive to feedback. Positive reinforcement from parents, coaches and peers enhances performance.
4. Eagerness to Learn
Women are more eager to learn new skills and techniques, making coaching more effective.
5. Coping Ability
Women manage emotional and interpersonal problems efficiently, helping them plan strategies for better performance.
Sociological Aspects Affecting Women’s Sports Participation
1. Social Stigma
Girls are often considered weak and unsuitable for sports, which discourages participation.
2. Safety Issues
Late-night practice, travel to training centres and lack of security restrict women’s participation.
3. Lack of Proper Facilities
Shortage of separate changing rooms, restrooms and training facilities limits opportunities.
4. Lack of Role Models
Fewer women athletes result in fewer role models, reducing motivation among young girls.
5. Less Media Coverage
Women’s sports receive less attention from print and electronic media, leading to low encouragement and recognition.
📂 Chapter: Women and Sports
✍️ Top 10 Short Question–Answers
Q1. How is women’s participation in sports in India?
👉 Women’s participation in sports in India is very limited.
Q2. What is the main reason for low participation of women in sports?
👉 The problem is mainly socio-psychological rather than physical.
Q3. Name one government initiative to promote women’s sports.
👉 National Sports Festival for Women.
Q4. What are time constraints for women in sports?
👉 Household responsibilities and family duties.
Q5. What is meant by menarche?
👉 Menarche is the first menstrual cycle in girls.
Q6. What is menstrual dysfunction?
👉 Disturbance in menstrual cycle due to hormonal imbalance.
Q7. What is Female Athlete Triad?
👉 A syndrome caused by low energy intake in female athletes.
Q8. Name any one component of Female Athlete Triad.
👉 Amenorrhea.
Q9. How do women athletes handle aggression?
👉 They show lower aggression and control it better.
Q10. What is social stigma in women’s sports?
👉 Belief that girls are weak and unsuitable for sports.
📝 Long Answer Questions
Q1. Explain the reasons for low participation of women in sports in India.
Women’s participation in sports is low due to several reasons:
Time constraints: Household duties
Social constraints: Negative societal attitude
Lack of infrastructure: Shortage of coaching centres and equipment
Lack of female coaches: Fewer role models
Safety concerns: Fear of harassment and exploitation
Q2. Explain methods to increase women’s participation in sports.
Women’s participation can be increased through:
Coaching programmes: Leadership roles, proper training and motivation
Safety: Secure sports spaces and safe travel
Facilities: Separate changing rooms, hygiene and childcare
Affordability: Reduced fees and travel concessions
Q3. Explain Female Athlete Triad and its components.
Female Athlete Triad is a syndrome seen in female athletes due to under-nutrition.
Its components are:
Osteoporosis: Weak and brittle bones
Amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual cycle
Eating disorders: Over-eating or under-eating
Q4. Describe psychological aspects of women athletes.
Stress: Managed well due to social support
Aggression: Lower and well-controlled
Sensitivity: Respond well to positive feedback
Eagerness to learn: Improves coaching effectiveness
Coping ability: Better emotional management
Q5. Explain sociological aspects affecting women’s sports participation.
Social stigma
Safety issues
Lack of proper facilities
Lack of role models
Less media coverage
Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs ONLY)
🔹 Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)
How is women’s participation in sports in India?
Name one reason for low participation of women in sports.
What is menarche?
What is amenorrhea?
Name any one component of Female Athlete Triad.
What is meant by social stigma in women’s sports?
Name one psychological factor affecting women athletes.
What is menstrual dysfunction?
Name one safety issue faced by women athletes.
What is osteoporosis?
🔹 Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)
Write any two social constraints affecting women’s participation in sports.
Explain time constraints faced by women in sports.
Write any two methods to increase women’s participation in sports.
What is Female Athlete Triad? Write its components.
Explain menarche and its effects on women athletes.
Write any two psychological aspects of women athletes.
What are safety concerns related to women’s participation in sports?
Write any two sociological factors affecting women’s sports participation.
Why is lack of female coaches a problem in women’s sports?
Write any two problems caused by menstrual dysfunction.
🔹 Long Answer Questions (4–5 Marks)
Explain the reasons for low participation of women in sports in India.
Explain methods to increase women’s participation in sports.
Explain Female Athlete Triad in detail.
Describe psychological aspects of women athletes.
Explain sociological aspects affecting women’s participation in sports.
Explain special physiological considerations related to women athletes.
❓ FAQs (5)
FAQ 1. Why is women’s participation in sports low in India?
👉 Due to social, psychological and safety-related issues.
FAQ 2. How can safety improve women’s participation in sports?
👉 By providing secure spaces and safe travel.
FAQ 3. Why is nutrition important for women athletes?
👉 To prevent menstrual problems and Female Athlete Triad.
FAQ 4. How does media coverage affect women’s sports?
👉 Less coverage reduces motivation and recognition.
FAQ 5. How can society support women in sports?
👉 By changing mindset, providing facilities and equal opportunities.
| Chapter No. | Chapter Name | Visit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning in Sports | Visit |
| 2 | Sports and Nutrition | Visit |
| 3 | Yoga and Lifestyle | Visit |
| 4 | Physical Education and Sports for CWSN (Divyangs) | Visit |
| 5 | Children and Sports | Visit |
| 6 | Women and Sports | Visit |
| 7 | Test and Measurement in Sports | Visit |
| 8 | Physiology and Sports | Visit |
| 9 | Sports Medicine | Visit |
| 10 | Kinesiology, Biomechanics and Sports | Visit |
| 11 | Psychology and Sports | Visit |
| 12 | Training in Sports | Visit |
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