Most Indian girls stop playing sport in their teens. Most never come back. Subha and Hasita speak with Dr. Vijay Krishnamurthy (sports researcher, executive coach) and Swetha Subbiah (co-founder Sisters in Sweat) on the safety, infrastructure, cultural pressure, and quiet guilt that keep women out of sport long after school ends and what it actually takes to play again. This conversation examines why participation in sport drops so dramatically for women and what it will take to change that.From safety and infrastructure to cultural expectations and community, Vijay and Swetha unpack the invisible barriers that keep women out of sport long after school ends. They explore why access isn't just about stadiums and funding, but about well-lit spaces, supportive environments, role models, and the freedom to prioritize movement without guilt.The conversation also dives into careers in sport, the rise of women-led fitness communities, grassroots sports policy, and why India's biggest challenge isn't producing elite athletes—it's getting more people to play in the first place.For anyone who's ever quit a sport they loved or watched someone they care about quit one.---------------------This episode is part of our mini-series: The Careers Behind Indian SportsExploring the people, pathways, and professions shaping the future of sport in India, beyond what you see on the field.
Dr. Vijay Krishnamurthy — https://vijaykrishnamurthy.comSwetha Subbiah, Sisters in Sweat — https://sistersinsweat.com------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Why Indian Women Quit Sport01:07 What 'Permission to Play' Actually Means03:13 Meet the Guests05:00 Swetha's Journey from Hockey to Sisters in Sweat12:48 The "Sports Don't Pay" Mindset18:07 How Sisters in Sweat Started23:39 Access, Privilege & Why Women Stop Playing27:13 Safety, Infrastructure & Hidden Barriers37:29 Building a Community for Women in Sport46:03 What India Can Learn from Global Sports Models50:45 The Business of Building Sisters in Sweat57:43 Why Communities Matter More Than Competition01:00:40 Permission to Play01:06:36 Women's Health, Fitness & Starting Late01:10:13 What Sport Teaches Us About Life01:13:19 Read Watch ListenWhen did you stop playing? Or when did you start again? Tell us in the comments. The patterns are striking. #careerpodcast #WomenInSport #PermissionToPlay #CareerPodcast #SistersInSweat #IndianWomenInSport #SportsCareers #FutureOfWork---------------------If this one landed, here's the one thing we'll ever ask: rate Small Talk on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Five seconds. It's the only signal that decides who else gets to hear us. Stay close🎧 Listen everywhere · https://www.pod.link/1531495902📺 YouTube · https://www.youtube.com/@smalltalkpod_wpb📷 Instagram · https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkpod_wpb🌐 https://www.smalltalkpod.com📩 Write to us: smalltalkpod.wpb@gmail.com📅 New episodes every fortnightSmall Talk: Work, Play, Build is a fortnightly podcast about careers, leadership, and the things we make outside our day jobs. Hosted by Subha Chandrasekaran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhachandrasekaran/) (executive coach, founder of RainKraft) and Hasita Krishna (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasita/) (brand strategist, co-founder of Motley Crew). Seven seasons in, still about what it means to live a life that feels true — at work and outside it.© 2026 RainKraft Creative Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd.