The Number Of Girls Enrolling In Combat Sports Increased After The Nirbhaya Case. This Is Scary And Hopeful
8 years ago, back in 2012, we as a country witnessed something so abhorrent and so dark that till date most of us haven’t been able to get over it fully. In Delhi, a woman, travelling back to her home in a bus with her friend was gang raped, gutted, mutilated, with her intestines pulled out and then left there to die. That day, as yet another woman lost her life, we gave birth to the name ‘Nirbhaya‘, a person with no fear, a name given so that her real name wouldn’t have to be used in news articles.
And while till date, the victim of that gut-wrenching and soul-crushing incident is still remembered as Nirbhaya. But we’d be lying if we said we weren’t scared. Even now, stepping out of the house, every girl in India probably thinks about this, before summoning up the courage to finally go about with her day. No matter how many whistles, pepper sprays or pocket knives we carry, we can never stop looking over our shoulders. What we can do is begin to look after ourselves, as many other women have since that awful night in 2012.
Munawar Anzar is a judoka who has taken our country’s name to several international, Asian, and national level competitions. He is perhaps the first and the only paralympic referee from India to have officiated in the 2012 London Paralympics. Currently the Secretary of the Indian Blind and Para Judo Association, Munawar recently in an interview with India.com shared how the number of girls taking part in combat sport have relatively increased over the years.
Post Nirbhaya Horror, Number of Girls Taking to The Sport Has Drastically Risen: Judo Guru Munawar Anzar – https://t.co/980nSivFXK https://t.co/Eo5pFwFzv1 pic.twitter.com/FTmVNgV3oO
— Judo Planet (@JudoPlanet) July 13, 2020
Also Read : The Nirbhaya Convicts Lawyer AP Singh’s Horrifying Statements Prove That We’re Never Safe With Such Men Around
INTERVIEW | Para Judo Guru Munawar Anzar opens up on a range of issues including the future of the sport in India & how it can compete with other disciplineshttps://t.co/7Zyasg986a
— India.com (@indiacom) July 13, 2020
He said, “Since the Nirbhaya episode, the number of girls taking to the sport has drastically risen – currently, the ratio would be 60:40 in favour of girls. It also is a positive sign as parents are sending their daughters to learn judo. It was not the case maybe 15-20 years back.” And while it’s great that women are now taking the control back in their hands, it’s upsetting that the reason should be so vile.
We get it though. As much as we aspire to make this country much safer for women, we can’t entirely depend on the off chance that a guy might find it in his heart to not take advantage of the situation and rape us. Which is why, as mothers should teach their sons better manners, they should also consider teaching their daughters how to fend for themselves, and combat sports are a great way to do just that. God forbid we find ourselves in a fix, we should know how to kick some literal ass and make them regret even entertaining that vile thought.
Munawar also shared his views on why he chose Judo in the first place, and said “It not only helps you to defend yourself but also makes you mentally strong which is required in the fast-paced world today. And of course, it keeps you physically in great shape and builds strength.” Guess that is all the reason we should consider enriching ourselves with this sport. After all, one can never be too careful!
