Kavita Dalal has proven that there is no limit to what women can accomplish in life. This 32-year-old from Haryana is the first woman of Indian nationality to wrestle in WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). She is better recognised by her ring name,‘Kavita Devi.’ After debuting in 2016 and winning the gold medal in women’s weightlifting 75 kg at the South Asian Games, she went on to participate in several platforms of repute such as the Mae Young Classic, WrestleMania 34, and so on.
Here’s more from the wrestler herself...
- How has your journey been?
I hail from a small village in Haryana, and you know that in Haryana, gender-based discrimination is rampant. I’ve always raised my voice against that. I used to wonder why was it that women were considered lesser than men and wanted to bring about a change. I knew that I could do that if I tried. As for the journey, it has been beyond my imagination but I’ve surely had my share of extremely tough times.
- Do you think the orthodox mindset of people has somewhat changed now?
Yes. There was so much unrest and backlash after I chose this career option but today, the same village that I come from, allows women to chase their dreams. I feel overwhelmed every time someone or the other says, ‘You have to be like Kavita.’
- How has your family supported you through this journey?
I belong to a family which was never financially secure and yet, they’ve always supported me as much as they could. We live in a society where spending on a girl child’s education is considered to be an example of flawed upbringing. Women, the people there believe, are nothing but marriage material. My family, however, was strictly against such notions. They’ve always been there for me and because of that I am where I am today.
- What keeps you so driven?
My problems, the backlash, and all the negativity. All of that has been my inspiration and has made me stronger as a human being. I’ve learnt my lessons, and have grown as a person solely because I had such tough challenges to face. There have been people who’ve bullied me, tried to stop me from achieving success, and I’ve snapped back. But that is what kept me going.
I represented India on the platform of WrestleMania 34 where I met quite a handful of Indians who were so proud and overwhelmed just to see me on stage. I have never felt so overwhelmed as I’ve felt on platforms like these. All of that inspires me to get better and better at what I do.
- From a performer’s perspective, how is the ambiance at WWE?
WWE attracts athletes from all over the globe. However, in India, people aren’t much aware of even the basic details such as the process of participating, how to qualify, etc. I have been there and so I can tell you with utmost conviction how much pride one feels to stand on that platform. You start realising your own worth when they announce your name and associate you with your country’s name. That feeling is inexplicable.
Even the thought of being there and being recognised by others has left me teary-eyed. When I’m on the stage and I look around to see the huge number of people who’ve come to cheer for me, that’s when I start realising my value in people’s lives.
- How do you wish to inspire Indian women who do not get that kind of exposure?
Some women are so unaware of how things work here that they can only dream of achieving what I’ve achieved. I myself have fought gender inequality and have reached this stage. My main motto now is to inspire all those women who are unable to break free and voice out their opinions. If I could do it, so can they. That’s what I want them to take from me.
- How were your training sessions with The Great Khali?
I’ve trained at his academy — Continental Wrestling Entertainment, but have not had many one-on-ones with him. I’ve definitely been following his journey and that itself has taught me so much about wrestling.
- Do you follow any specific diet customised for wrestlers?
I follow a very simple diet. I prefer eating healthy desi Indian food. It is funny how most of us have almost forgotten consuming milk, dalia, curd, and whole foods. Our grandparents never had to take medicines in their entire life. My grandfather would eat nutrient-dense food, and that’s something I’ve learnt from him. So, desi diet it is!
- What next?
I became the first Indian woman to participate in WWE and have received the ‘1st Lady award’ from President Ram Nath Kovind. Next on my to-do list is to be the first woman champion in WWE and win the prestigious belt for our nation.
