Defying the Odds: First All-Transgender Football Team Of The Country Takes the Field

Manipur makes history with India’s first all-transgender football team. Discover their courageous journey towards recognition and support, shaping a more inclusive sporting landscape in India.

Aarish Gazi

Transgender in sports in india

In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian football, Manipur has created the country’s first-ever all-transgender football team. Overcoming social challenges and defying expectations, transmen, transwomen, and other queer individuals joined together to form this special team of 14 members.

The Team’s Goals

Chaki Huidrom, the team’s vice captain, expressed immense joy about this historic achievement and hopes that the team can represent India in the transgender category. Chaki believes that this unique initiative will encourage more players to be themselves without worrying about their gender. She shared her aspirations to participate in state, national, and international football tournaments as part of the transgender category.

Ya All’s Vision

Sadam Hanjabam, the founder-president of Ya All, initiated creating this team with a vision to see more people from transgender community actively participating in sports and breaking barriers. While the attempt to form a team of trans women faced challenges due to social factors, the team of transgender people succeeded. Hanjabam envisions a future where transgender individuals receive recognition and opportunities in various fields, extending beyond football.

Challenges and Support

Difficulties in Finding Support

Most team members are students of physical education who love playing football as a hobby. However, they face difficulties finding support and experienced coaches to help them improve their skills. It has been challenging to get experts involved due to prejudices in society.

Overcoming Prejudices

Despite the societal biases and prejudices, these individuals have shown remarkable courage, passion, and skill in pursuing their love for the game. Their dedication and resilience have been instrumental in forming the team and taking a step towards inclusivity in Indian football.

The Way Forward

The establishment of India’s first transgender football team in Manipur is an extraordinary accomplishment that deserves recognition and support. The government and society must provide the necessary resources, support, and recognition to help these athletes thrive.

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Breaking Barriers in Sports

The aspirations of the team members to represent their country and compete at various levels highlight the power of inclusivity and the potential for creating strong transgender teams. By embracing diversity and inclusivity in sports, India can pave the way for a more accepting and inclusive sporting landscape.

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The creation of India’s first all-transgender football team in Manipur is a remarkable milestone in Indian football and a significant step towards inclusivity and promoting transgender rights. These individuals have shown immense courage and passion in pursuing their love for the game despite societal challenges. It is crucial for the government and society to provide the necessary resources, support, and recognition to help these athletes thrive, paving the way for a more inclusive sporting landscape in India. With continued support, this groundbreaking team can inspire future generations and promote inclusivity in sports beyond football.

Courtesy : Her Zindagi

Note: This news piece was originally published in herzindagi.com and used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Rights