Indian sports embrace openness on athletes' menstrual cycles

Indian women athletes are increasingly open about competing during their menstrual cycles, marking a significant shift from past silence. This openness was highlighted at the Asian Games, where athletes like Mirabai Chanu and Sneha Sathyanarayana competed successfully while menstruating, signaling a more scientific and supportive approach in Indian sports. Coaches like Wayne Lombard of the women's hockey team now tailor training based on individual symptoms rather than a fixed calendar, with players openly reporting discomfort. Senior athletes like Savita Punia and Navneet Kaur note that while taking days off was once common, the focus is now on understanding bodies and managing training loads, with adjustments made for severe symptoms. This progress contrasts with past experiences, such as Rani Rampal's initial confusion and taboo around menstruation. Athletes like Joshna Chinappa and Anahat Singh emphasize the need for open environments, while Sneha Sathyanarayana stresses that openness must extend to male athletes, reflecting a broader cultural shift in handling menstrual health in sports.