Asian Games: Indian woman wrestler inspiring others in her home state, Haryana
Updated 18:57, 25-Aug-2018
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Vinesh Phogat has created history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at an Asian Games. It's the country's second gold medal in Jakarta, but what makes it stand out even more, is that she is the niece of Mahavir Singh Phogat from the 2016 Bollywood blockbuster, Dangal. David Deen tells us the details.
A face-off between Vinesh Phogat and Yuki Irie from Japan. Phogat spent years preparing for this moment. She said her previous losses at the Asian Games and Olympics had only made her stronger. She was convinced she would prevail this time and she did.
VINESH PHOGAT INDIAN WOMAN WRESTLER "My uncle began to teach me and my cousins how to wrestle when we were little. We have gone through pretty harsh training since then. We have only one goal in our mind - that is to win."
Born in Haryana, one of India's most conservative states, Phogat had many hurdles to overcome to become a wrestler. Many in her community believed women had no right to compete in sport, and should stay at home. But Bollywood blockbuster Dangal and the Phogat family's success changed their minds.
VINESH PHOGAT INDIAN WOMAN WRESTLER "I became famous because of the movie. Not only me, but wrestling is becoming more popular in my country. More and more girls are becoming wrestlers."
Phogat said, despite all her hard work and commitment, one thing kept her going the whole time, a belief in herself.
VINESH PHOGAT INDIAN WOMAN WRESTLER "I wanna say, you gotta have faith in yourself no matter what. Without this faith, you won't succeed even if you train hard. The faith will keep you motivated, that's why I believe perseverance and confidence are the key to success."