Inspired by the stories of sportswomen in rural India who managed to defy the odds and play at national and international levels, Dia Daryanani, a former state-level swimmer, uncovers the gender dynamics in the sports industry that inhibit many girls from pursuing a career in sports, she shares her experience and challenges in her talk. Dia is a state-level swimmer from Maharashtra and focuses on distance freestyle events and has placed well at marathons and meets alike. Embarking upon her journey as a five year, the sport has been crucial in her personality development. She believes more girls and women should pursue sport and advocates for reasons why and ways in which families and our society could encourage them to do so. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx