March 16, Colombo (LNW): The essence of progress lies in understanding humanity through a scientific lens. Presently, the enlightened global community is dismantling the fallacy of categorizing individuals based on race, religion, and caste. Notably, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stands as a beacon of rationality, leveraging scientific methodologies to transcend societal myths.
The IOC has embarked on a mission to bridge the gender gap by fostering equal opportunities for women and men. Consequently, the representation of both genders in the upcoming Paris Olympics has been meticulously balanced at a 50/50 ratio.
Reflecting on the journey since the inception of the modern Olympics in 1900, where female participation stood at a mere 2.2%, underscores the monumental strides made over 124 years. This transformative period epitomizes the relentless toil, unwavering dedication, and enduring patience required to dispel entrenched illusions, erroneous judgments, and biased decisions.
Over the decades, the Olympic landscape has evolved, witnessing the introduction of new events and the phasing out of others. Notably, the 1924 Paris Olympics marked a significant milestone with 135 female athletes competing—a stark contrast to the limited participation observed in the tournament’s nascent years.
The gradual inclusion of women in various athletic disciplines illustrates a progressive trajectory. Notably, it wasn’t until 1984 that the women’s marathon debuted, symbolizing a breakthrough moment epitomized by Joan Benoit’s historic victory.
Subsequent years witnessed the expansion of women’s participation, with the 2020 Olympics featuring five new sports open to female athletes—BMX cycling, karate, skateboarding, surfing, and sports climbing. This trend continues in the present year, with additional sports opening their doors to women, marking a significant milestone in achieving gender parity across 32 sporting disciplines.
The evolution from a mere 2.2% representation of women to an equitable 50% distribution exemplifies not only the advancement of sports but also the intellectual maturity of athletes. Embracing unity and equality over division, particularly within the realm of sports, serves as a testament to societal progress and human enlightenment.
