Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana joined Pee Safe for its ‘Play in Comfort’ initiative in Mumbai, an awareness-led campaign aimed at encouraging young girls to pursue sports with greater confidence while also addressing the importance of menstrual hygiene and wellness in athletic spaces.
Held at Mainadevi Bajaj International School, the initiative brought together students, educators, sports enthusiasts and young female athletes for conversations around holistic wellness, self-care and breaking the stigma surrounding periods in sports. The event focused on creating a more open and supportive environment where young girls can actively participate in sports without hesitation or discomfort.
As part of the initiative, Smriti Mandhana interacted with students during a cricket session on the field and felicitated young athletes, encouraging them to pursue sports with consistency, confidence and the right support system. The event also aimed to normalize discussions around menstrual health, an area that often remains overlooked in school and sports environments despite being a major challenge for many young athletes.
Addressing the students during the session, Smriti Mandhana spoke about responsibility, discipline and pushing through challenges while representing a team and a larger purpose. “I play for India, and that’s exactly the mindset that keeps me going. When you put on the jersey, be it the Indian jersey or whichever team you play for, you have to do justice to the role that has been given to you. There are so many people who support us, so it is a bigger responsibility than you think. So, sometimes when you have that, your own period pain doesn’t come in between,” she said.
The initiative also highlighted the broader issue of how young girls often struggle to balance sports participation and personal well-being during menstruation due to social stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate support systems. Through ‘Play in Comfort,’ Pee Safe attempted to encourage more open conversations around menstrual hygiene while reinforcing the importance of making schools and sporting spaces more inclusive and comfortable for young athletes.
Speaking about the campaign, Rithish Kumar, Co-Founder of Pee Safe, said, “Young girls often face challenges while balancing sports and personal well-being, especially during their periods. Through ‘Play in Comfort,’ we aim to raise awareness, foster openness, and make comfort and hygiene part and parcel of every young athlete’s journey and to help girls stay active, feel sure, and keep their focus on their dreams.”
During the interaction, Kumar also addressed concerns commonly faced by young athletes during menstruation, while emphasizing the need for better awareness and support around feminine hygiene in sports ecosystems.
