Moves that made Nikhat & Dipika
Boxer Nikhat Zareen, squash star Dipika Pallikal along with Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar punched one for the women, talking their hearts out to depict their inspiring journeys on Thursday.
In a virtual meet to announce the launch of ‘Watch Us Move,’ a campaign by Adidas to celebrate womanhood and their freedom of movement, the three spoke of their personal struggles against the backdrop of unrealistic stereotypes and how they battled through them to inspire young girls who aspire to emulate them.
“I still remember my father’s words when he said beta ladkiyo me itna dam nahi hota boxing karne ke liye (girls don’t have the strength to box) and that actually challenged me to pursue boxing and change the societal mentality that girls are geek and can’t punch,” Nikhat, the Nizamabadbased amateur woman boxer, said.
“I took the move and started it off. Fortunately in 2011, when I won the Junior Championship gold
medal, everyone was shocked. I was elated while my father was very proud of my achievement,” the toughie added.
“Eventually, I started getting calls from young girls who too wanted to take up boxing as a career which really motivated me. I finally proved my point and opened the doors for many more budding talents,” she added.
Record breaking squash player Dipika Pallikal said it’s time for women to take the centrestage and shine. “I think we as a women have really broken the stereotypical barriers and carved out our own paths,” she said.
Model Manushi felt “Watch Us Move celebrates women, their achievements and inspires us to adopt a positive approach to life.”