Atita Verghese, India’s first professional female skateboarder, is on a mission to break gender barriers and encourage more girls to embrace skateboarding. Through her Instagram page, Girls Skate India, and free workshops, she is fostering inclusivity and building a new generation of women skateboarders in the country.
Atita Verghese was involved in sports and had a supportive mother who encouraged her athletic pursuits. When introduced to skateboarding at 19, she instantly fell in love with the sport, finding it a mode of self-expression and liberation.
Paving the way for others
Being the only girl skateboarding with boys, Verghese realized the need for more representation of women in the sport. In 2015, she founded Girls Skate India to provide a platform for girls and women to start skateboarding and increase their participation.
Building a community
Girls Skate India is gaining momentum as a supportive community for female skateboarders. Atita organizes free workshops, combining skateboarding with other activities like photography and painting, promoting inclusivity and creativity.
Verghese’s journey to becoming a professional skateboarder hasn’t been without obstacles. She faced unsolicited comments and stereotypes due to her appearance and gender. But her resilience and determination fueled her passion for breaking down barriers.
Promoting Inclusivity
In 2015, Atita and the Girls Skate India team embarked on India’s first all-girls skateboarding tour, uniting female skateboarders from different countries. They aim to improve skills by practicing on various surfaces, but the lack of government-owned skate parks poses a challenge.
Skateboarding was once considered a male-dominated domain, but the rise of talented female skateboarders like Verghese is shifting the narrative. Despite progress, Atita believes there is still much work to be done in promoting women’s skateboarding.
Conclusion
Atita Verghese’s relentless passion for skateboarding and her commitment to empowering girls have ignited a new wave of women skateboarders in India. Through Girls Skate India, she continues to inspire young girls and break down gender barriers, propelling the sport towards a more inclusive future.
