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‘Kick’ starting the change

‘Sisters in Sweat’, in an exclusive chat with NSoJ relives the magic down under



Credits: skysports.com

Arjun


In a thrilling finale, Spain defeated England with a narrow 1-0 score in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals

Olga Carmona's incredible first-half shot from the left wing, which gave England goalkeeper Mary Earps no chance, won Spain the victory. With back-to-back World Cup goals, she showcased her talent as a left defender.

Credits: foxsoccer/twitter.com

Awards

  • As the season ended, 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo, from Spain, was awarded ‘Young Player of the Tournament after scoring as a substitute in both the quarterfinals and semifinals.
  • The ‘Golden Boot’ was awarded to Japan's Hinata Miyazawa for the tournament-high five goals under her belt, two of which were scored against the current champions.
  • Mary Earps of England was handed the Golden Glove. She played in all seven of England's matches, conceding four goals. The 30-year-old goalkeeper is now considered one of, if not the best, in the world.
  • The Golden Ball Award went to Spanish midfielder Atiana Bonmati, who this season had three goals and two assists and completed 42 passes out of 44 in the finals.

More to the Game

"Sisters in Sweat.", the energetic group of women was founded by Swetha Subbiah and Tanvie Hans, both of whom are passionately involved in promoting sports in Bengaluru.

As veterans Marta Vieira da Silva, Alex Morgan, and Julie Ertz left the World Cup stage, the conversation inevitably turned to who would carry the torch forward. The brand relations manager, Saachi Shetty,rooted for up-and-coming players like Lauren James from England and Linda Caicedo from Colombia when asked about the pivotal players representing the future of women’s football, The discussion recognised the ongoing appeal of seasoned athletes like Sam Kerr, who are at the height of their careers..

Credits: news18.com

The exciting US-Sweden contest left a lasting impression, while the fervent support for the tough England-Nigeria clash revealed the inherent excitement of these tournaments.

When comparing Women's World Cups in 2019 and 2023 some intriguing results came from researching, the sudden shifts in dynamics, surprise triumphs, heightened rivalry, and more media coverage all contributed to showcasing the explosive growth of women's football on a global level.

The duo were optimistic of the upward trajectory of women's football in the country. The remarkable feat of the Moroccan women's team ranked lower than India, served as a hopeful example.

“The global attention we hope would serve as a catalyst for increased support and resources to empower Indian women's football, paving the way for a significant global impact”, they said.

Addressing the issue of pay parity, Swetha Subbiah provided a nuanced perspective on the complex factors influencing it and highlighted the economic foundation. "The unequal wages stem from the economics of the sports viewership, audience, and more. While the US women's team receives a larger proportion of the income than their male counterparts, the comparison lies in percentages, not absolute numbers." Tanvie echoed this sentiment, pointing out the encouraging trend towards narrowing the pay gap by 2027. "The current positive trajectory, increasing profitability from sponsorships, and growing popularity of the women's game indicates a potential reduction in the wage disparity," Hans affirmed.

Credit: Sisters in Sweat Media team.

Throughout the discussion, it was clear that the core staff and the community both adore the game. Tanvie Hans was in Sydney for the World Cup finals on Sunday and Sisters in Sweat organized a community viewing event of the finale.

Credits: Sisters in Sweat Media team, Swetha Subbiah to left and Tanvie Hans to right

What is “Sisters in Sweat”

Sisters in Sweat, a community founded by Swetha Subbiah, a Nike-certified performance coach, and Tanvie Hans, a football player who played for Tottenham Ladies and Fulham Ladies FC as a small gathering of friends, has blossomed into a thriving network of 5000 women across two major cities. The remarkable growth of this community, beyond the dedication of its team, is attributed to its organic nature, referral-based clientele, and the desire to bridge the gap between women leaving sports after high school.

The absence of paid promotions underscores the authentic appeal of Sisters in Sweat. Lipika Rajashekhar, Marketing and Communication Executive explains that word-of-mouth endorsements serve as the cornerstone of its expansion. Tanvie Hans, Co-Founder, emphasizes that the community's purpose goes beyond sports; it aims to encourage women to remain active and connected. Saachi Shetty, Brand Relations Manager, adds that the camaraderie extended beyond the games, as members supported each other during the challenging times, “the community came together during the pandemic helping each other getting blood, oxygen cylinders and hospital beds”.

Swetha Subbiah, Founder and Technical Head, acknowledges the incredible teamwork as a driving force, further amplified by their established reputation in the fitness and sports domain. Witnessing strangers evolve into friends, playing together, and progressing both physically and mentally is a source of accomplishment for the founders. The community's growth serves as a testament to their commitment.

Credits: Sisters in Sweat Media team

The positive impact of sports on empowerment is undeniable, supported by scientific backing.. The Sisters in Sweat team firmly believes in the transformative power of sports for physical and mental well-being.

Swetha Subbiah and Tanvie Hans underscores the sense of achievement from witnessing the community's growth and its effect on both physical fitness and mental health..

As the Women's Football World Cup 2023 continues to capture hearts and minds around the world, "Sisters in Sweat" would enhance this spirit of endurance and hope.


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