Effecting Change: Transforming Women’s Sport in India

A 3-week OpenTakshashila course examining the policy, economics, and socio-cultural dimensions of women’s sport in India.

This 3-week course (Edition 2) examines the policy, economics, and socio-cultural dimensions of women’s sport in India. Through classroom sessions, guest talks from sports industry practitioners, and structured readings, participants will develop frameworks to understand the challenges and opportunities in transforming women’s sport.

The course is delivered online with Saturday classroom sessions (9 AM–12 PM IST) and Wednesday guest talks (7–8:15 PM IST).

Who This Course is For

Sports Administrators and Officials

Those working in sports federations, government sports bodies, or sports management who want policy frameworks for advancing women’s sport.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Sports journalists and media professionals seeking deeper analytical tools for covering women’s sport and gender equity in athletics.

Athletes and Coaches

Current or former athletes and coaches interested in understanding the broader ecosystem and policy landscape affecting women’s sport.

Policy Enthusiasts

Engaged citizens and professionals interested in sports policy, gender equity, and the intersection of sport and society.

How It Works

6 Modules

Covering history, policy, grassroots, barriers, elite sport, and the way forward

Classroom Sessions

Saturday sessions (9 AM–12 PM IST) with expert faculty

Guest Talks

Wednesday sessions (7–8:15 PM IST) with sports industry practitioners

3 Weeks

Compact format designed for busy professionals

~6–8 Hours/Week

Including sessions, guest talks, and readings

Certificate

Awarded upon successful completion of evaluation criteria

Why This Course?

  • Women’s sport in India is at an inflection point — understand the forces shaping its future.
  • Gain frameworks spanning policy, economics, and socio-cultural analysis.
  • Learn from practitioners and experts working in India’s sports ecosystem.
  • Connect with a cohort of professionals passionate about sports and gender equity.

Eligibility & Application

  • Open to anyone with an interest in sports policy and gender equity.
  • No prior background in sports or policy required.
  • Registration via application form.

Fee Structure

  • Course fee: ₹5,000 + GST
  • Fees are non-refundable.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 11 June 2026
  • Programme dates: 13–27 June 2026
  • Saturday sessions: 9 AM–12 PM IST
  • Wednesday guest talks: 7–8:15 PM IST

What You’ll Learn

Tracing the history of women’s sport in India — from early pioneers to the current landscape. Understanding the institutional, social, and policy factors that have shaped women’s participation in sport.

The economics of women’s sport — funding models, sponsorship, media rights, and the role of government policy in shaping the sports ecosystem. Examining what drives investment and what holds it back.

Building the pipeline — school sports, talent identification, coaching infrastructure, and community programmes. How grassroots initiatives create pathways for women athletes.

Understanding the social, cultural, and institutional barriers that women athletes face — from family expectations and safety concerns to media representation and gender bias in sports governance.

The ecosystem for elite women athletes — training infrastructure, sports science, competition pathways, and the transition from amateur to professional sport.

Policy recommendations and strategic interventions for transforming women’s sport in India. Synthesising learnings from the course into actionable frameworks for change.

Women’s Sport in India

Edition 2

Dates: 13–27 June 2026

Apply before: 11 June 2026

Fee: ₹5,000 + GST

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

This course is for anyone interested in sports policy, gender equity, and the intersection of sport and society — including sports administrators, journalists, policymakers, athletes, coaches, and engaged citizens.

The course runs for 3 weeks with Saturday classroom sessions (9 AM to 12 PM IST) and Wednesday guest talks (7 PM to 8:15 PM IST). Expect approximately 6-8 hours per week including readings.

Yes, all sessions are recorded and available for later access. However, live attendance is encouraged for interactive discussions with faculty and guest speakers.

Yes, a certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the course evaluation criteria.