Coaching for Change: Abdul Jayudin’s Journey to Creating a Gender-Inclusive Sports in Odisha

^{TAFISA is collaborating with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through its Olympism365 strategy to initiate a global framework dedicated to fostering community empowerment and development through capacity building in Sport for All, known as SUCCEED (Supporting Communities Empowerment & Development through Sport for All). The SUCCEED series highlights inspiring stories of individuals and communities positively impacted by training and capacity building provided within the SUCCEED framework. Through these stories, we aim to showcase the transformative power of capacity building in sports, emphasizing how it fosters inclusivity, empowers marginalized groups, and strengthens community resilience.}

Abdul Jayudin, a 10th-grade student from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has emerged as a young leader dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for girls in sports. His journey began with participation in local sports programs and reached new heights through the Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway, transforming his passion into a mission to advocate for gender equality in his community. Abdul’s story is a testament to how the right guidance, mentorship, and targeted capacity-building initiatives can spark profound social change through sport.

From Participant to Leader

Abdul’s journey with Pro Sport Development (PSD) began in 2019 when he joined the Community Table Tennis Program (CTT), supported by the International Table Tennis Foundation. This experience introduced Abdul to the fundamentals of sports, but it also opened his eyes to broader issues such as gender sensitivity and the importance of inclusivity in sports.

With time, Abdul’s interest in sports deepened. He joined PSD’s Community Cricket Program (CCP), where he not only developed his sporting skills but also took on leadership roles, raising awareness about child rights and gender equality. Representing the India Crocodiles at the 2023 Street Child Cricket World Cup was a major milestone for Abdul, solidifying his role as a community leader.

Today, Abdul leads on-ground sessions, promoting gender awareness, child rights, and leadership skills among his peers, showing how sports can be a powerful tool for social development.

A Turning Point: TAFISA’s Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway

Abdul’s journey reached new heights in May 2024 when he participated in TAFISA’s Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway workshop in Bhubaneswar. This two-day training session was a game-changer for Abdul, offering him insights into how sports coaching could be tailored to create safer and more inclusive environments for girls. The Pathway is designed to equip coaches and facilitators with the tools needed to challenge gender stereotypes and promote secure, welcoming spaces for female athletes.

“I grew up in a community where girls were discouraged from playing sports. Attending this workshop made me realize the societal and familial pressures that prevent girls from realizing their potential.”

The workshop equipped Abdul with practical tools to address challenges faced by girls in sports, from creating safe environments to providing the right resources. He now ensures that girls feel comfortable, safe, and supported during his sessions, including providing necessary sanitary products and preparing for emergencies like menstruation-related issues.

Redefining Inclusivity and Safeguarding in Sports

One of the most impactful lessons Abdul took away from the workshop was how to make sports facilities more accessible and comfortable for girls. From ensuring clean grounds and secure changing rooms to providing appropriate uniforms and equipment, Abdul learned that these seemingly small adjustments can make a big difference in fostering inclusivity.

Abdul recalled a past experience during a training session when a girl felt uncomfortable due to menstruation. At the time, he felt unprepared to support her fully, but the workshop changed that. The workshop also emphasized the importance of having female role models in sports. Abdul saw how seeing women succeed in sports could inspire young girls to participate with greater confidence and determination, motivating him to advocate for more visible female representation.

Creating Safe Spaces and Changing Perceptions

Abdul’s understanding of safeguarding was further deepened through the training. He learned techniques to make girls feel comfortable sharing any concerns, especially regarding their safety and well-being. Now, Abdul takes the time to talk to his young participants before every session, checking in on their physical and emotional state.

“I do my best to educate them about good and bad touch so that they can come to me if they ever feel unsafe. I also make it a habit to ask how they are feeling before every session.”

Through these efforts, Abdul is creating a safer environment for girls and shifting societal perceptions. His approach has transformed sessions into safe spaces where girls feel valued and heard, fostering open communication and trust.

The Path Forward: Building a Gender-Inclusive Future

Abdul’s journey from participant to a proactive advocate for gender inclusivity highlights the transformative power of sports in challenging societal norms. He recognizes that achieving true inclusivity requires a collective shift in attitudes, particularly among parents and community members, to create lasting opportunities for girls in sports.

“There are some coaches who teach sports only to boys and do not give girls much chance. They need to be educated and shown that if you give girls a chance to play and teach them the game, then they can play even better than boys.”

Looking ahead, Abdul is eager to continue applying the lessons he gained, ensuring that his coaching methods always reflect inclusivity and safeguarding. With his work, he hopes to create a future where girls and boys play side by side, breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive society.

A Broader Impact

Pragatee Sethy, PSD's Community Sports Coordinator and Pathway trainer, shared, “The coaches who participated in the training, including Abdul, have seen changes in how they take their sessions. They’re more motivated and better equipped to create safe spaces for female athletes, especially with an informed approach that challenges gender stereotypes and promotes a secure environment.”.

Abdul's journey is a powerful example of how the Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway is driving change. By addressing the unique challenges faced by female athletes and equipping coaches with practical solutions, the Pathway is helping to create safer, more inclusive environments where girls can thrive in sports. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pro Sport Development, Abdul, and everyone involved in making the Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway impactful in Odisha and beyond!