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@article{204876,
        author = {Mr Gyanendra Kumar Upadhyay and Prof Dr Ashish Jorasia},
        title = {From Margins to Mainstream: Institutional Efforts and Women’s Inclusion in Kayak Sports in Uttar Pradesh},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {4918-4925},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=204876},
        abstract = {Kayaking, though still considered an emerging sport in India, has gradually gained visibility as part of the country’s expanding focus on water sports and athletic diversification. In states like Uttar Pradesh, where traditional sports such as cricket and athletics dominate, kayaking has remained largely on the margins. Women’s participation in this sport has been particularly limited due to a combination of socio-cultural barriers, safety concerns, lack of infrastructure, and low awareness at the grassroots level. Deep-rooted gender norms, restricted mobility of women, and limited family support have historically discouraged girls from engaging in water-based sports.
In recent years, however, there has been a noticeable shift in this trend. Institutional efforts by government bodies, sports authorities, and organized federations have played a crucial role in bringing women into the mainstream of kayaking. Initiatives such as the Sports Authority of India programs and the Khelo India initiative have provided structured training, financial assistance, and competitive exposure to young athletes, including women from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. At the state level, associations and local training centers in cities like Prayagraj and Kanpur have also contributed by organizing championships and providing coaching facilities.
This research paper aims to examine the role of such institutional mechanisms in promoting women’s inclusion in kayak sports in Uttar Pradesh. It analyzes the progress made in terms of participation and performance, while also identifying persistent challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and limited media coverage. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical approach, relying on secondary data sources, case studies, and existing reports.
Furthermore, the paper highlights emerging success stories of female kayak athletes who have overcome socio-economic barriers to achieve recognition at state and national levels. These examples serve as powerful indicators of the transformative impact of institutional support and act as motivation for wider participation.
The findings suggest that while significant progress has been made in increasing women’s involvement in kayaking, the growth is still uneven and concentrated in certain regions. Sustained institutional support, improved infrastructure, gender-sensitive policies, and increased awareness are essential to ensure long-term and inclusive development. The study concludes that with continued efforts, kayaking can become an important platform for women’s empowerment and gender equality in sports in Uttar Pradesh.},
        keywords = {Kayaking, Women Empowerment, Institutional Support, Gender Inclusion, Uttar Pradesh},
        month = {June},
        }