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VOL. 10, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Sport, society, and gender: Analyzing Bembem Devi’s contribution to Indian women’s empowermen
Authors
Lena Dey, Dr. Neelam Yadav
Abstract
The intersection of sport, society, and gender provides a meaningful
framework for understanding women’s empowerment in contemporary India. This
paper examines the life and contributions of Oinam Bembem Devi, popularly known
as the “Iron Lady of Indian Football,” and analyzes how her remarkable journey
has influenced social change, gender perception, and leadership development
among Indian women. The study aims to explore the ways in which Bembem Devi’s
sporting career has challenged patriarchal norms, created new spaces for women
in professional football, and symbolized the broader struggle for equality and
recognition in Indian society. The research employs a qualitative analytical
method, relying on secondary data drawn from scholarly literature, sports
archives, government reports, and media narratives. It situates Bembem Devi’s
life within the sociological and feminist theoretical framework, particularly
emphasizing the concepts of gender performativity and empowerment through
visibility. Through this approach, the paper interprets her journey not only as
a personal success story but as a social movement that reflects the dynamic
relationship between sport and gender empowerment. Findings indicate that
Bembem Devi’s achievements extend beyond athletic excellence; they represent a
form of resistance against gender discrimination and a redefinition of female
identity in the Indian sporting context. Her contributions as a player,
captain, mentor, and advocate have inspired a new generation of women,
especially from marginalized and northeastern regions of India, to pursue
sports as a legitimate path to empowerment. The analysis concludes that Bembem
Devi’s legacy demonstrates the transformative potential of sport as a tool for
social inclusion, leadership, and gender justice, reinforcing the broader
vision of women’s empowerment within India’s evolving democratic and cultural
framework.
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Pages:38-42
How to cite this article:
Lena Dey, Dr. Neelam Yadav "Sport, society, and gender: Analyzing Bembem Devi’s contribution to Indian women’s empowermen". International Journal of Yoga, Physiotherapy and Physical Education, Vol 10, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 38-42
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