The real Dangal hero visits Bhopal

Renowned wrestlers Mahavir & Babita Phogat were expected to visit Bhopal to Attend CII Young Indians Annual Day Programme. Unfortunately Mahavir Phogat could not make it, eventually, Babita did make it alone and we at WTN could have a few exchange of words with her. It was at the Bhojpur Club in Arera colony, Aruneshwar Singhdeo also along with other Bhojpur Club members were available during this event.

Q: Do you feel that the movie Dangal has helped you gain recognition?
A: Yes, up to some extent, as normally in India cricket is the most recognised sport, we do not get that much recognition like the cricket players, we end up getting gold medals but are not much in talks. This movie has given us a recognition, I believe before the movie was released almost 70% of Indians did not know if we existed.

Q: Is there a scope for women wrestlers in India otherwise?
A: When we started wrestling, there were no women wrestlers in India, If you see now, if India has bagged 2 medals in the Olympics, one out of them is for wrestling that too from the women’s team, so I think times are changing and the sport is gaining popularity.

Q: Are there any women coaches available, Do you feel awkward it you have a male coach?
When in school no one is bothered if the teacher is a male or a female, it’s the same here, the gender of the coach is not that important but what you get to learn from them is more important.

Q: After watching Dangal did you find any difference in people's approach towards women’s wrestling?
A: Normally when we are practising, we see many parents bring their daughters to us so that we could train them also, we feel bad that we do not have those facilities and equipment to handle that many people. I would love to start my own academy but unfortunately, I am not that strong financially to do it. If the government helps us with funding to start an academy, we can make much more Geetas & Babitas in India.

Q: Was the cutting of the hair to a boy-cut a part of the movie or is it in real too?
A: Of course it’s real, don’t you see my hair? Actually, it has grown a bit more than I usually keep it, my father says that all these things related to beauty could be done later too but at the moment concentrate on wrestling.

Q: What efforts are you taking to improve women’s wrestling?
A: At my end, I am really trying hard to start an academy, If today the students get the sports facilities we get at the national level in a village school there could be many good players ready, Children need training since childhood like we were trained by our father.

Q: What is your aim?
A: My aim is a Medal in the Olympics and I am working towards it.
Well, friends, India should be proud to have such good woman wrestlers for whom the sport is their life, We recommend you to watch the video also. Please keep us posted about your views. -WTN