Indian women’s cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana once again proved why she is admired not only for her performances on the field but also for her inspiring voice off it. During the ‘Play in Comfort’ campaign organised at Mena Devi Bajaj International School in Mumbai, the star cricketer encouraged young girls to pursue sports fearlessly and not allow periods to become a barrier to their dreams.
The awareness initiative, organised by Pee Safe, focused on period hygiene, self-care, confidence and encouraging girls to actively participate in sports without hesitation or embarrassment. The event created a positive and open environment where schoolgirls and aspiring athletes could openly discuss concerns that are often treated as uncomfortable or taboo in society.
Smriti’s interaction with the students became the highlight of the campaign. She spoke candidly about the challenges female athletes face and stressed the importance of confidence and mental strength during difficult moments. Sharing her personal experiences as an international cricketer, she explained that professional sport teaches players to stay focused despite physical discomfort.
Speaking at the event, Smriti said that wearing the Indian jersey brings immense responsibility, and athletes learn to give their best regardless of challenges, including period pain. Her words deeply resonated with the young audience, many of whom saw the session as both motivating and reassuring.
The campaign also gave students an opportunity to play cricket with the Indian cricket star, making the event even more memorable. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as young girls stepped onto the field alongside one of India’s most celebrated cricketers. For many students, it was not just a sporting activity but an empowering experience that reinforced the idea that periods should never stop girls from participating in sports or outdoor activities.
Over the years, conversations around menstrual health and sports participation have slowly become more open in India, but hesitation and stigma still exist in many communities. Campaigns like ‘Play in Comfort’ aim to challenge these outdated perceptions and encourage young girls to prioritise both health and ambition without fear or shame.
Ritheesh Kumar, Co-founder of Pee Safe, said the initiative was designed to create a safe and supportive environment where girls feel comfortable discussing menstrual health and pursuing sports confidently. According to him, the goal is to ensure that no girl feels restricted from achieving her dreams because of social stigma or lack of awareness.
The campaign also highlighted the growing importance of menstrual wellness conversations in schools and sports institutions. Experts increasingly believe that access to awareness, hygiene products and emotional support can significantly improve girls’ confidence and participation in sports.
Smriti Mandhana’s presence added strong emotional impact to the initiative. As one of the leading faces of Indian women’s cricket, her message carried credibility and inspiration for young athletes who aspire to follow similar paths in sports.
Beyond cricket, the event became a reminder that confidence, education and open conversations can help break long-standing social barriers. By encouraging girls to play freely and proudly, the campaign delivered a simple yet powerful message: periods should never stop anyone from chasing their passion.
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