Geeta Phogat

“Women sportspersons like Krishna Poonia and Seema Antil are role models for Haryanvi women.”

“It's important for parents to be strict if you want the kids to succeed.”

“My father, once he has decided on something, doesn't care about what anyone else thinks. All the men in our family swore at him for training us. His parents said he was mad. But he didn't listen.”

“We became quite famous in our district. People came especially to watch us. And I used to love it when we heard them saying, 'There go the girls who beat boys.'”

“My father always told my sisters and me that once you succeed, people will automatically be quiet. And he was right.”

“There is so much discrimination towards women in Haryana.”

“No sport is easy, if you spend time away it will be difficult to make a comeback.”

“Even if someone offers me junk food, I won't eat it.”

“If all girls turn strong within themselves, men with bad intentions can be taught apt lessons.”

“Honestly, I have not done any preparation for 'Khatron ka Khiladi.'”

“My first gold was in the 2002 cadet national. I realized I was good enough even outside my village and my district.”

“Everyone should be allowed to participate in sport, because it helps you to become more confident. That is important for women in India, because we are not always treated as equals.”

“Usually, it is the men who are given importance. But now, people view women wrestlers as equals.”

“I feel that Indian women are too frightened. They all say, 'I can't do this, I can't do that.' Worse, their families don't support them.”

“I hope Indian parents will allow girls to choose their own destiny.”

“You need a little bit of experience to do well in the Olympics.”

“Yes, I have watched 'Dangal.' Fatima has done a brilliant job.”

“My father was a disciplinarian. He had this cane and he would spare no one if found at fault. Unlike Babita, I was not physically strong and couldn't cope with the training. So I got the most beatings.”

“It was my father's passion actually. I had never wished to become a wrestler. I was 12 when my father initiated me into this sport. Gradually, I started liking it and then it became my passion too.”

“When Aamir Khan was in Haryana, we met him and he was very respectful to my parents.”