Child marriage in India: How football is helping girls fight against proposals
BBC World
February 22, 2026
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Football is giving girls in an Indian village the power to resist child marriage and pursue their ambitions. Nisha Vaishnav, 14, and her older sister Munna, 18, are leveraging their football skills to challenge traditional norms. Nisha's rising talent earned her a spot on the Rajasthan state team in 2024. When strangers approached them during practice for marriage proposals, Nisha firmly declined, asserting her right to focus on football. This defiance highlights how sports can empower girls to resist early marriages.
Child marriage remains prevalent in India, with about 25% of women married before age 18. In Rajasthan, rates are even higher, and girls often feel pressured to comply. Football for Freedom, a non-profit, helps girls through sport, offering opportunities for employment in public sectors. Nisha and Munna's
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026