15 June 2026
Even today, in many villages across India, access to sports is not equal. Opportunities to play are often shaped by caste, class, and gender. This raises an important question: why do we mostly see athletes from dominant caste and upper-class backgrounds in elite Indian sports?
One of the biggest reasons is access.
In many communities, playgrounds may appear open to everyone, but invisible social boundaries often determine who feels welcome. Some children grow up with the freedom and confidence to play without restriction, while others face barriers rooted in social norms and discrimination. These boundaries are not created by the game itself, but by the society surrounding it.
When OSCAR Foundation began its programme in Rajasthan, it became clear that these inequalities existed on the football field as well. Children from dominant caste communities often stayed away from activities where they would interact with children from marginalised backgrounds. Social norms were deeply embedded, and many were uncomfortable sharing the same space.
If caste and class created one layer of exclusion, gender created another.
For girls, the playground was almost non-existent. Social expectations, cultural norms, and family restrictions kept many of them away from sports. Playing football, running freely, or simply participating in group activities was often considered inappropriate. While boys negotiated their place on the field, girls were frequently denied access altogether.
When the programme started, participation remained limited. Children from marginalised communities were hesitant, dominant caste groups were not actively involved, and girls were almost entirely absent. Building an inclusive sporting environment required patience, trust, and consistent engagement with families and community members.
A significant turning point came during one of the first Young Leader trainings, when only three girls attended.
Even bringing those three girls into the programme required conversations with families, challenging long-held beliefs and creating a sense of safety. To address resistance within the community, the team began with their own families, encouraging sisters, relatives, and girls from their immediate circles to participate. This became the first visible sign that girls could belong on the field.
That small step sparked a larger transformation. As community members saw familiar faces participating, hesitation gradually turned into acceptance. What began with just three girls evolved into a broader movement for inclusion. The football field became more than a place to play, it became a space where children from different backgrounds could come together with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.
Today, nearly 40% of participants in OSCAR Foundation’s Rajasthan programme are girls, and children from different caste and class backgrounds play side by side.
What was once a field shaped by social divisions has become a space where children learn, play, and grow together. The story of Rajasthan shows that when access is created and barriers are challenged, sport can become a powerful tool for inclusion and social change.