India, Aug. 17 -- To deal with the grief of the sudden death of her husband at the age of 44, Ancy Alexander's counsellor suggested she try some physical activity. It would, she explained, take her mind off things and release those famously feel-good endorphins that would help her better cope with her sense of loss.

This is how, aged 37, Ancy found herself googling football for adult women for the first time in her life. She had never played any sport, not even as a schoolgirl. But her husband Aneesh Ananth had been athletic and enthusiastic, playing cricket and watching tennis and football. Watching with him, Ancy began to understand and appreciate the nuances of the game.

So, when she was advised to take up physical activity she thoug...