Hetal Dave: Wrestling gender stereotypes

When you hear the words ‘Sumo Wrestling’ you tend to associate it with ‘burly men wrestling’. However, did you know that Indian women are gradually picking up this Japanese sport? Women’s participation in sports may not be widely acknowledged in India, leave alone women taking up wrestling as a sport.

We spoke to Hetal Dave, India’s first female sumo wrestler who proves that with determination and perseverance, there is nothing that cannot be achieved.

How did you get into Sumo wrestling?

I started with judo when I was young and at that time there were some boys who used to train for sumo wrestling as well. When I realised that I was good at it (I defeated some of the guys as well), I decided to try it out.

Tell us about your first big competition

My name was cleared for the World Championship in 2008 which was held in Estonia. I did not have the money and no sponsor was willing to fund me for the travel or the stay. However, someone came forward and helped me get to the championship, where I ranked 5th.

What is the reaction from different countries when they see an Indian woman representing us?

They are very happy to see that our country’s women are participating and the reception abroad is definitely better than at home.

How can we get Indian women to participate more in sports such as wrestling and sumo wrestling?

We have to create an awareness among people. The more people participate, the more they are encouraged. It’s almost like we have to keep repeating the importance of sports again and again for our society to understand and take notice of it.

What is the biggest drawback of Indian women in sports?

The biggest drawback is exposure - people do not know that there are women in sports or that there so many different sports for women to participate in. I don’t think there is much of a problem of a woman in a man’s world, people just need to know that it can be done.

Was your family always supportive of your decisions with regards to Sumo Wrestling?

Yes, even though I come from a conservative Rajasthani family, my parents and my brother have been very supportive. They are the reason I am where I am.

What message would you like to give parents whose daughters want to get into sports?

Let your daughter do whatever she wishes to do. Girls are taught to mainly sacrifice - but girls have a power, an inner strength. They just need your support to realise this. Don’t stop them from doing anything. We girls get the most satisfaction from pursuing our dreams. Don’t stop your daughter and you will see her excel.

What message would you like to give to girls out there who are in sports or want to get into sports?

As girls we think a lot about our communities and families, but you must also not forget to think about yourself. You have to respect family, no doubt about it, but don’t stop for anyone. If your family does not come with you, in time they will surely stand behind you and support you.

Hetal Dave is also a judo trainer in Mumbai and an inspiration to girls in our country as she proves nothing is beyond their grasp. You can follow her facebook page here.

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