One of India’s most celebrated women wrestlers, Arjuna Awardee and gold medalist, Babita Phogat, was the chief speaker at a FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) event. Excerpts from an interview:
Q. Is this your first visit to Hyderabad?
A. Actually, this is my first visit to South India. I’m happy that I can meet new people and experience different cultures. I have been travelling quite a bit, but I never thought I’ll get a chance to explore the country so much, all thanks to wrestling.
Q. Why did you pick up wrestling?
A. I did not choose wrestling; it was my father who made me pursue it. I didn’t have any knowledge about the sport, but my father insisted that I take up wrestling, a sport he was so fascinated about. So, gradually I developed interest in the sport and it became my passion. Because of my dad, I could break all societal stereotypes, and excel in a male-dominated sport like wrestling.
Q. Wrestling started gaining momentum only after Dangal and Sultan, your take?
A. It may not be glamorous, but it is an ancient sport and has been around for a long time. I agree that it was after Dangal and Sultan that people started recognising us. I feel happy about that.
Q. Do you think other sports were ignored during the India-Pakistan cricket final?
A. Cricket is always given the hype. My father has always been frustrated due to this. My brother used to practise cricket in secret because my father would not allow him to. When onlookers informed my father about it, he beat him up. Why should the entire nation focus only on cricket? It’s not even in the Olympics. Encourage people who brought Olympic medals. Parents should also encourage their children to take up other sports.
