Indian Cricketer Sneh Rana Reveals Strategies Female Athletes Use to Manage period Pain During Competition
New Delhi – October 11, 2025 – In a recent discussion, Indian women’s cricket team all-rounder Sneh Rana openly addressed the challenges female athletes face managing menstrual pain during sporting events. Rana detailed the physical discomfort and mental fortitude required to perform at a high level while experiencing cramps, mood swings, and performance pressure.
The menstrual cycle is a natural monthly process where the inner lining of the uterus and blood are discharged. Many women experience cramps and pain in their waist, stomach, pelvic area, and legs during this time, sometimes hindering daily activities. This raises the question of how female athletes maintain peak performance in demanding sports like cricket, tennis, and badminton.
Rana explained that players often rely on pain medication during matches. “I also have cramps and we have to use medicines during the match,” she said. “But when you are representing your country or playing a domestic match, you don’t have to stop. It hurts, but as a sports person, mental strength helps you move forward.”
beyond medication, Rana shared that athletes utilize methods for off-field relief. “During periods, we use hot pads, which give us relief off the field,” she stated. Notably, Rana added that she often finds her performance enhanced while menstruating: “It is the opposite with me – when I have periods, I perform more often and better.”
The discussion highlights the frequently enough-unseen challenges female athletes navigate and underscores the importance of mental resilience in overcoming physical discomfort during competition.