Raashida (name changed to protect her identity), a spirited young girl from a basti in Delhi, once lived under strict limitations—her father’s firm insistence on traditional norms meant no sports, no outdoor play, and no public spaces. Safety concerns and social judgment kept her potential locked behind closed doors.
That began to change when More Than Play introduced its Sports for Development (S4D) program. The initiative provided a safe, structured, and welcoming space for girls like Raashida to play, learn, and grow—without compromising on cultural values. Home visits by changemakers reassured parents, including Raashida’s, that their daughters would be safe, respected, and empowered.
Wearing her hijab, Raashida cautiously joined a session. What followed was transformation: her confidence bloomed, she made friends, and began discovering her own voice. Her parents, once unsure, noticed the change—her discipline, joy, and purpose became undeniable.
Today, a year later, Raashida is more than a participant—she’s an assistant coach, a role model, and a proud ambassador of the program. She balances her identity with her dreams and encourages other girls to step forward too.
Her story is proof that when girls are given safe spaces and supportive communities, they rise—and they lift others with them.
