Indian sports girls glam up on the field

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Tennis player Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Sania Mirza’s women’s doubles partner at Wimbledon, had many smiling when she joked that Sania took a lot of time to put on her makeup before playing a match. Though a tongue-in-cheek statement, what Sands’ said made it obvious that sportswomen do not always like to look “grim and sweaty” while they play. A little makeup definitely works for them.

Shooter Heena Sidhu uses kajal to define her eyes during the match. “I feel makeup is a very individual choice. I personally don’t prefer using makeup, but I use lip balm to keep my lips moist as stress makes them dry. As it is, shooting is not a field sport, so I don’t need to do anything special before or after the match,” says Heena.
Badminton player Jwala Gutta feels that there is no point putting on any makeup while players are on court, as everything gets “washed-off” due to sweat. She says, “I use a bit of kajal or eyeliner while I’m playing. I can’t really use anything else as I sweat a lot while playing. So, no full makeup for us.” Her playing partner Ashwini Ponnappa says things are different when you are on the court and when you are off the court. “I look different when I am playing from when I am not playing. I don’t apply makeup during the game. Off the court, I like using different colours of mascara and a little bit of gloss. I use concealer only when I am going out to a party or attending an event,” says she.
It’s probably golfer Sharmila Nicollet, who is turning into the poster girl of Indian sports, who uses a hint of makeup. The tall player is seen experimenting with her looks and as she says, “I am particular about being presentable, so I take care of how I look when I am playing. I use kajal and mascara and apply different coloured lip balms. I generally go for a manicure and colour my nails so that my hands look nice and clean. I take care of my skin by applying a layer of sunscreen and foundation on top of that. I love dressing up in vibrant colours and make sure everything is well coordinated,” she says.
Though they may not be too big on makeup, most Indian sportswomen feel that somewhere makeup helps in boosting a player’s confidence.
“Makeup has a psychological effect on many players as it makes them feel confident. I see many girls wearing makeup when they come to play, and they exude that self-assurance,” says Heena. Ashwini seconds Heena and says, “A lot of women players abroad like to use makeup. I guess this works for them as they are fond of being seen in makeup. Even here, some players like to touch-up a bit as they feel it makes them appear confident.”
Makeup or no makeup, we don’t expect our players to leave a big fashionable impact behind, what we do expect is for them to bring back the medals and yes, the glory!