Propagating the religion of cricket among girls

TIPPED AS an 'all men's affair', females are getting little chances to prove their mettle in cricket. Cricket, which is a religion in India, is still far away from embracing women players.

TIPPED AS an 'all men's affair', females are getting little chances to prove their mettle in cricket. Cricket, which is a religion in India, is still far away from embracing women players.

HT Image

Talking of national arena, conditions in the city are not good either. Lack of resources is the biggest blow. But a commendable step is being undertaken by a person in the city which is bringing in gradual positive changes to ensure that females too get an opportunity to prove their calibre.

Jully Ojha, woman cricketer and the secretary of Women's Cricket Association, is enthusiastic about the prospects of women cricket players in the city.

"Lack of good female cricket players in Allahabad always irked me while I used to play tournaments in different cities. So, I decided to become the torch-bearer my self and strived for the position of secretary of Women's Cricket Association. I finally achieved the position in the year 2003," she said.

"It was something new for the people to digest and I received much opposition for this, even from my seniors. However, the things have smoothened now," she said. She confirms that boys are still given much preference in the stadium where she had to struggle hard in the beginning to fetch a separate time slot for the girls to practice. She now holds practice at Gymkhana. Even the lack of female coaches posed a challenge but she shouldered the responsibility on her own.

Organising the state championship and another Senior Central Zone tournament, both in 2004 boosted her morale. Senior State Championship in 2005 and All India Inter-zonal tournament in 2006 has kept her in high spirits.

"It is a matter of concern that people are still gender-biased towards the game of cricket. Issues causing hurdle in the achievements of female cricketers in the city are lack of sponsors and too much of politics. Instead of promoting us, we are asked to back-out. However, we are gaining the support of the administration," she confirmed.

At present, Jully guides the team of 15 girls. A trial for state championship to be held on July 15 will be organised on July 5 in which she is hopeful of receiving new talents. "I keep requesting the teachers in schools and colleges to never mock the girls willing to play cricket. Cricket should also be promoted in schools," she added. She accepted that parents need to change their thinking regarding their daughter's decision to become a cricketer. Parents need to have a supportive attitude, she said.

At present, Jully is working hard to publish an exclusive all-women magazine 'Mandira'. An ardent fan of television star cum commentator Mandira Bedi, Jully plans to invite her on the release of the magazine.

She also plans to form a women cricket team in Allahabad University.