Anaemia has emerged as one of the most damaging yet overlooked issues affecting Indian women’s sport, particularly cricket, according to renowned sports nutritionist Ryan Fernando.
Highlighting alarming data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Fernando pointed out that 44–69% of adolescent girls in India are anaemic, with the figure crossing 70% in certain regions. The condition, he says, has serious implications not only for general health but also for athletic performance at the elite level.
📊 A Widespread Nutritional Crisis
Anaemia, primarily caused by iron deficiency and inadequate nourishment, reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen — a crucial factor in high-performance sport.
“For an athlete, low haemoglobin levels directly translate to reduced stamina, slower recovery, and higher injury risk,” Fernando explained. “In a demanding sport like cricket, where endurance, focus, and physical resilience are essential, anaemia can silently derail a player’s career.”
🏏 Impact on Women Cricketers
Indian women cricketers, especially those coming through junior and domestic levels, are particularly vulnerable. Long training hours, frequent travel, and irregular eating habits often worsen nutritional gaps.
Fernando stressed that micronutrient deficiencies — iron, vitamin B12, and folate — negatively affect:
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Energy levels
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Muscle function
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Concentration and decision-making
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Overall match performance
⚠️ Crash Diets Make the Problem Worse
One of the biggest contributors to the issue, according to Fernando, is the growing culture of crash dieting and unscientific weight-loss methods.
“Skipping meals or following extreme diets in the name of fitness is extremely dangerous, especially for female athletes,” he warned. “It compromises immunity, hormonal balance, and long-term health.”
✅ The Way Forward: Science-Based Nutrition
Fernando urged sports bodies, academies, and players to prioritise science-backed nutrition plans. His key recommendations include:
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Regular screening for anaemia and nutrient deficiencies
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Balanced diets rich in iron, protein, and essential vitamins
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Nutrition education at grassroots and professional levels
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Eliminating crash diets and food myths
“Nutrition is not optional. It is the bedrock of health and performance,” he emphasised.
📝 Conclusion
As Indian women’s sport continues to grow on the global stage, addressing anaemia and nutritional deficiencies is no longer a choice — it is a necessity. Without proper intervention, talent risks being lost not to lack of skill, but to preventable health issues.
Ensuring strong bodies, sustainable diets, and informed choices could be the difference between potential and podium finishes for India’s women athletes.
