ITANAGAR, Mar 6: International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally on 8th March every year to recognize the achievements of women and to highlight the importance of collective action for gender equality and global solidarity. As per UN Women, the theme for this year’s IWD is ‘Rights. Action. Justice. For All Women and Girls’.
In line with this spirit, the Fit India Movement is undertaking focused initiatives to encourage the participation of girls and women in fitness and sports through community-led inclusive activities such as yoga, nutrition awareness programmes, self-defence sessions, and the felicitation of outstanding sportswomen.
As per direction of the Sports Authority of India, the Department of Sports (GoAP) is celebrating FIT INDIA Women’s Week from March 6 to 8, with emphasis on women-centric health and fitness activities across the State.
The celebration commenced at the Sports Authority of Arunachal (SAA) conference hall here today with a panel discussion on the theme ‘Breaking Barriers in Sports’. The panel featured Dr Yuma Narah Camdir, Psychologist, NERIST; Dr Mangesh Linggi, Sports Physiotherapist, SSA, Miao; and Dr Duyi Samyor, Assistant Professor, Department of Food Technology, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU).
During the session, the panelists interacted with coaches of Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy (SLSA) and SAA, which focused on promoting regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles among women athletes.
Dr Camdir emphasized issues related to gender, sexuality, and mental health, highlighting the nuances of everyday life and how coaches and society can better support women athletes.
Dr Mangesh Linggi focused on injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques, stressing the importance of proper training methods and timely medical care to ensure the well-being of athletes.
Dr Duyi Samyor guided the coaches on the importance of nutrition, particularly how to derive balanced nutrition from traditional tribal diets and utilize readily available local food products to support athletes’ performance and overall health.
SAA Chairman John Neelam attended the panel and encouraged every coach to support the women athlete.
The discussion also emphasized the importance of gender awareness, balanced nutrition, mental well-being, and preventive healthcare in sports, especially for women athletes.
The FIT INDIA Women’s Week celebrations will continue over the next two days with various activities aimed at encouraging greater participation of women and girls in sports and fitness, while also promoting awareness about health, safety, empowerment, and holistic development.