March
8 is the International Women's Day. It is not only an occasion to congratulate
ladies and give sincere compliments but also an opportunity to remind them of
more serious things - for example, the fight for women's rights, as well as
their achievements, including in sports.
It
is generally accepted that everything depends only on the abilities of
sportsmen and sportswomen. However, female athletes still face many specific
challenges - from stereotypes and discrimination to a lack of funding and a low
level of infrastructure compared to men's competitions.
In
honor of the holiday, we would like to remember outstanding African sportswomen
who have become symbols of perseverance and fortitude.
Top 7 inspiring female athletes:
1. Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe
is a two-time Olympic swimming champion and seven-time world champion. In 2024,
she became a candidate for the post of IOC President.
2. Marie-Josée Ta Lou – her
mother wanted the young Ivorian to become a doctor and did not believe in sport
as a social elevator. However, Marie-Josée proved the opposite, becoming a
medalist at the World Athletics Championships in the 100 and 200 meters.
3. Barbara Banda – $740,000 was
paid for her transfer from the Chinese Shanghai to Orlando, USA – the third
largest amount in the history of women's football. The captain of the Zambia
national team was also recognized as the African Women's Footballer of the Year
in 2024.
4. Asisat Oshoala is a six-time
African Women's Footballer of the Year who has won every trophy possible with
Barcelona. The Nigerian is one of the best female football players and the
first African nominee for the Ballon d'Or among women.
5. Faith Kipyegon – the nickname
Smiling Destroyer, which this Kenyan female athlete has earned, refers to her
ability to win with a smile. Three Olympic gold medals in the 1500-meter run
have made her a living sport legend.
6. Blessing Oborududu's parents
told her that wrestling was not a woman’s sport. Fortunately, Blessing managed
to change their minds. She won the African Championship 13 times, and at the
Tokyo Olympics, she became the first Nigerian medalist in this sport!
7. Nour El Sherbini can compete
with Mo Salah to be the most successful Egyptian athlete of our time. In
squash, which is constantly growing in popularity, Nour has 7 world champion
titles and a record for consecutive weeks as the world’s No. 1.
Supporting
women's sports: 1xBet's contribution
The
issue of gender equality in sports remains relevant, and companies like 1xBet help to change the situation. Here
are some examples of how this is happening.
● In Nigeria, the company
supports Suo, the first PINJIN female commentator in the country's history, who
is also the chief of the Urubo people. Being responsible for over a million
people is a difficult and necessary thing, but what's more important is that
Suo inspires all Nigerian women to take up sports.
● Miracle Chipito from Zambia
became the first medalist in the IMMAF World Championship in the history of her
country. According to Chipito, 1xBet’s help with tools and logistics allowed
her to focus on the competition without being distracted by less important
things.
● With the support of the
reliable bookmaker, the Waziri Cup tournament was held in Kenya, featuring
women's teams. 1xBet has never considered
football a purely male sport and actively invests in developing women's
national competitions, providing squads with jerseys and sports equipment.
Female
athletes in Africa have proven that sport has no gender boundaries. Their
stories inspire thousands of girls to take up sports, overcome obstacles, and
reach the top.
Women
in sports are not only about talent and achievements but also about strength of
spirit and willingness to go against stereotypes and the opinions of others.
The company 1xBet admires them and is proud of
the opportunity to help them change the sports world, making it more beautiful
and brighter.
