I believe I can: Laxmi's story, India

Laxmi's story was kindly shared by our member Women Win.

In the beginning, Laxmi didn't have any support to follow her dream to become an athlete.

"In my community, after you turn 12 you get married. Girls are for making children and housework only. Neither my family nor my community supported me, because I am a girl. But I wanted to play netball."

Inspired by famous female athletes, and despite her family's disapproval, Laxmi set out to change her parents' opinion about what a girl can and cannot do. She joined GOAL, a programme run by The Naz Foundation Trust India, to become a coach and a referee. The impact was immediate.

"Sports has changed my life. I am more confident, determined, fearless, and self dependent."