Seminar On Women Power In Sports Held

Insync

-Staff

By Staff

Thursday, June 26, 2008, 13:01

Pune : As part of a week-long Olympic movement celebrations, a seminar on ''Women Power in Sports'' was held on the third day today at the Marathon Bhavan here.

The seminar was organised by Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA), which is hosting various events including seminars, competitions and discussions throughout the week.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given the directives to all its affiliated member countries to celebrate the world's highest sporting event throughout the week to spread the importance of the event among the masses.

The debate highlighted the women's empowerment in sports and their trials and tribulations right from the ancient Olympics to the modern era till Beijing.

The Dhyanchand awardee Smita Shirole-Yadav, who has carved out a niche for herself in rowing, through a power-point presentation, discussed the significant role of women in pursuing the discipline of their choice to achieve the highest goal.

She also gave a detailed account of the ensuing Beijing Olympics, which will get underway within next six weeks.

Former Chhatrapati awardee Gurbans Kaur briefly pointed out the aims and objectives of celebrating the ''Olympic Weeks'' from this year onwards.

Noted nutritionist Shilpa Khandelwal talked about the diet to be consumed by sportspersons before and after competitions.

Former women hockey player Olympian Rekha Bhide-Mundphan, while citing her own example, urged the authorities to change their attitude and allow women to make their headway in the choice of their discipline of sports.

Freelance sports journalist Shipla Bhosale was of the opinion that things will improve for women sportspersons through the medium of journalism. She also touched upon the subject of ''Sports Culture'' as, she felt, women journalists would play a significant role in its proliferation and development.

Nita Talavlikar asked women to come forward and take initiative in administration of sports, while citing an instance of the South Asian swimming event, where all women members managed the whole event held in Lahore in Pakistan.

Earlier, MOA secretary general Prof Balasaheb Landge welcomed the guests. The others, who graced the occasion, included MOA treasurer Chandrakant Shirole and the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) joint secretary Pralhad Sawant. Neelima Kale proposed a vote of thanks.