Patna: On the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, an awareness seminar was held at the indoor hall of the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna to educate women athletes about the challenges posed by menstruation and the importance of mental and physical well-being in sports.
Organised jointly by the Bihar Olympic Association and NGO Bleeding Blues, in collaboration with the Bihar State Sports Authority, the event featured leading voices from sport, health and law enforcement. Among the speakers were R Mallar Viji, Director of Bihar Police Academy; Arjuna Award-winning basketball player Divya Singh; Neha Singh, founder of Bleeding Blues; gynaecologist Ritu Raj; and psychological counsellor Priya.
Viji urged athletes to break the silence surrounding menstruation and emphasised the need for support from families, coaches and teammates. “Menstrual issues can affect both physical performance and mental resilience. Open conversations at home and on the field are essential,” she said.
Neha Singh echoed the sentiment, saying menstruation is a natural process that must be addressed openly rather than treated as a taboo. She stressed that inclusive awareness among men, especially trainers and teammates, is vital for creating a supportive environment.
Speaking online, Aditi Mutatkar, programme head at Simply Sports Foundation, and Aditi Dimri, co-founder of Cranberry, contributed their insights into athlete wellness and menstrual health.
Ravindra Shankar, Director General and CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority, called the initiative a “historic step” and announced two key initiatives: the establishment of Hybrid Female Athlete Wellness Centres in Rajgir and Patna, and the drafting of the Bihar Menstrual Health Policy, which he said would be the first of its kind in India focused specifically on women athletes and trainers.
He also confirmed that space is being allocated to the Bihar Olympic Association within the Patliputra Sports Complex to streamline its operations.
The event concluded with testimonies from women athletes, who spoke of the physical and emotional challenges they face during menstruation and welcomed the increasing dialogue and institutional support. Experts shared practical tips for maintaining health and performance during menstruation, reinforcing the need for sustained awareness and systemic change.
