The gender disparity issue in Indian sports, particularly hockey, has recently been brought to light by the country’s women’s hockey coach, Janneke Schopman. The former Olympic gold medallist, in an interview, expressed her dissatisfaction with the unequal treatment of female athletes in India.
Janneke Schopman’s Experience in India
Schopman, the first woman to helm an Indian national hockey team, shared her experiences on the unequal treatment of women in the country’s sports industry. She was quoted in an interview with the Indian Express, expressing her disappointment and frustration over the preferential treatment given to the men’s team.
“I come from a culture where women are respected and valued. I don’t feel that here,” Schopman said.
She also expressed how she felt “alone” and undervalued by her employers, Hockey India, during her tenure.
The Unfair Treatment
The unequal treatment in Indian sports extends beyond just the coaches. From the pay gap to the lack of training grounds and media coverage, female athletes in India have been battling inequality for quite some time. This is especially prominent in male-dominated sports such as hockey and cricket.
Schopman, in her interview, pointed out these disparities, sharing her experiences and observations during her tenure as the coach.
Schopman’s Tenure
Schopman started her journey with the Indian women’s hockey team as the analytics coach. She was later promoted to the position of head coach after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
However, her journey was not smooth. She mentioned how some people wouldn’t even acknowledge her when she was the assistant coach. This only changed when she was promoted to the position of head coach.
The Struggles
When asked about her most challenging experiences, Schopman expressed her feelings of not being taken seriously. She felt that her opinions were not valued, and she struggled with this throughout her tenure.
Unfortunately, her concerns were not addressed immediately, as Hockey India officials could not be reached for comments.
Schopman’s contract with Hockey India lasts until the Paris Olympics later this year. Despite the struggles and challenges, she continues to lead her team, who are now preparing for the European leg of the Pro League in May.
The Bigger Picture
Schopman’s experience is just the tip of the iceberg. Gender disparity in sports is a global issue, and it’s not confined to India. However, Schopman’s outspokenness about the issue in India has brought it into the limelight, paving the way for discussions and hopefully, changes.
The Future
While the gender disparity issue in Indian sports is not new, Schopman’s experiences and observations have brought it to the forefront. It is a call to action for the sports industry, not just in India, but globally, to address this issue and take steps towards equality.
