Addressing Menstrual Health: A New Era for Women in Indian Sports

The Unseen Struggles of Female Athletes

For many years, the narrative surrounding Indian women athletes has celebrated their resilience, often romanticizing their struggles. The familiar image is that of an athlete enduring pain, competing despite discomfort, and sacrificing personal well-being. However, amidst this celebration, a crucial question remains unaddressed: Should such suffering be considered normal? Behind the accolades and records lies a conversation that Indian sports has yet to fully embrace—menstrual health. Athletes, physiotherapists, and sports professionals assert that this issue transcends biology; it is fundamentally structural. As discus thrower Seema Kaliramna shared in an exclusive interview, the impact of menstruation on performance can be significant. She noted, "If it occurs during competition, it can lead to low blood pressure and affect confidence. The physical toll includes back pain and mood swings, making it quite challenging. Thankfully, we now have access to pain relief tablets, tampons, and menstrual cups, which provide considerable relief." Kaliramna, who recently secured a gold medal at the National Federation Cup 2026, reflected on her own experience during the national games, where her menstrual cycle affected her performance.

Breaking the Silence on Menstrual Health

The Invisible Opponent In Women’s Sport

For countless generations, discussions about menstrual health among Indian sportswomen have been scarce. Former Olympian Ashwini Nachappa recalls a time when menstrual education was virtually nonexistent. "In our era, there was no awareness about menstrual health, especially for athletes. However, times have changed. Today, athletes have access to information online. It is crucial for coaches, particularly male ones, to be sensitive to menstrual health issues," she stated. Nachappa emphasized that athletes of her time had to endure silently, lacking the education to manage their cycles effectively. "Each athlete faces unique psychological challenges, and while we had to adapt, today’s athletes are better informed about managing sleep and cramps. However, this knowledge needs to reach grassroots levels," she added.

Changing Perspectives on Menstrual Health

Taboo No Longer Exists Now, Feels Nachappa

Nachappa believes that the stigma surrounding menstrual health is fading. "In this digital age, where women’s empowerment is gaining momentum, discussions about menstruation in sports are becoming more common. Coaches must be aware of these issues, as they play a vital role in supporting athletes. This sensitivity needs to extend to grassroots levels to ensure effective training and psychological support for athletes," she explained. This shift in perspective is crucial, as it reflects the evolving narrative of women’s sports in India. Positive changes are underway, with elite athletes gaining access to advanced sports science, cycle tracking, and better recovery management.

The Crisis at the Grassroots Level

The Silence Around Performance

Despite progress at the elite level, experts warn that the real crisis lies at the grassroots. Sports physiotherapist Bushra Banu highlighted that the dropout rate of girls from sports after puberty is not due to a lack of motivation but rather a structural failure. "Statistics reveal that 70% of Indian adolescents lack basic menstrual knowledge, and 82% of female athletes report that menstruation impacts their performance. Alarmingly, 40% of girls drop out of school after puberty, and the trend is similar in sports," she explained. Banu noted that many young athletes and their families mistakenly believe that participating in sports negatively affects menstruation, leading to girls being withdrawn from training.

Training with the Menstrual Cycle

What Makes The Issue Even More Complicated

Banu advocates for a shift in training methodologies to align with the menstrual cycle. "Instead of working around it, we should train with it. The female cycle consists of four phases, each influencing strength, recovery, and energy levels differently. For instance, the follicular phase is optimal for high-intensity training, while the luteal phase requires a focus on recovery and technique," she explained. By training intelligently around these phases, athletes can enhance performance and reduce injury risks.

A Call for Change in Coaching Practices

Training Around It Can Yield Better Results

Banu emphasized that implementing cycle-based training does not require additional resources but rather awareness and a willingness to adapt coaching practices. She advocates for educating girls about menstrual health before menarche and training male coaches on these issues. The current statistics paint a concerning picture, revealing that the consequences of neglecting menstrual health extend beyond emotional impacts to physiological ones.

Global Perspectives on Menstrual Health in Sports

Elite Athletes Worldwide Manage It Strategically

Globally, menstrual health in sports is often viewed through the lens of performance science rather than as a weakness. Dr. P.S.M Chandran, a prominent sports medicine specialist, noted that elite athletes can strategically manage their cycles around competition dates. "Athletes can adjust their cycles to ensure they are not menstruating during competitions, which is a common practice worldwide," he stated. In India, however, there remains a misconception that menstruation is detrimental to performance, leading athletes to seek ways to alter their cycles.

The Need for a Supportive Environment

Sporting Culture Of A Nation Or A Region Needs Attention

Divya Jain, a mental wellness expert, emphasizes that success in sports is influenced by both physical and psychological factors, as well as the surrounding environment. "While resilience is vital, it does not equate to improved performance through scarcity. Athletes need proper training facilities and emotional support to thrive," she stated. The sporting culture in India often celebrates women athletes for enduring hardships, but true progress lies in alleviating unnecessary suffering. Until menstrual health becomes a mainstream topic in sports discussions, India risks losing talented athletes before they can reach their full potential.