Intro: Once considered as a taboo in India, women wrestlers in India have fought all odds to be recognised as wrestling was restricted to only men and women were not encouraged to take up the sport.
It was in early 2000 that women were encouraged to take up wrestling as a sport. Geeta Phogat of Haryana became the first woman to qualify for the Olympics in the year 2012 and slowly the sport started spreading across the country and today the country is a home for many talented women wrestlers who have been competing in national and international tournaments. One such girl who has made a name for herself in wrestling is Rita Priyanka, a native of Palahalli in Mandya district. Having taken up wrestling in 2004, she has emerged as a champion wrestler. She has also become an inspiration for young women who wish to make a career out of wrestling. Rita has completed her graduation in Arts from D. Banumaiah College in City. Star of Mysore (SOM) caught up with Rita Priyanka for a chat. Here are the excerpts…
by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers
SOM: When did you take up wrestling and who encouraged you?
Rita: I took up wrestling in the year 2004. It was my father who encouraged me to take up wrestling when I informed him about my desire to become a wrestler. Basically, I have been an athlete since my childhood. After having participated in athletics and Kabbadi competitions, I decided to take up wrestling as it was interesting. Fortunately, I have been doing well in wrestling competitions held in State and at the National level. I wish to continue my good run and wish to represent my country at international tournaments.
SOM: Wrestlers like other sports-persons are required to maintain the physique and diet. What is your daily routine and diet?
Rita: I get up at 5 am everyday and go for a 6 km run, that is from Palahalli to Pump House and return. Later, I attend my college and hit the wrestling ring at 4 pm at the University of Mysore. I am being coached by L. Manjappa, University wrestling coach, on Point Wrestling. This apart, Pailwan Ramesh, Girish, Vijendra, Mukunda and others have been guiding me throughout.
My diet includes Sukka Chapathis, Ragi Balls, Ragi Porridge, Raw Egg, Butter and other high protein food. The diet alters accordingly during my preparations to a tournament.
SOM: What role has your father played in you emerging as a successful wrestler?
Rita: Like I said earlier, my father Antony Raj has been my inspiration. He has encouraged me throughout. Though, we come from a poor background, he has made sure to get me the best of training facilities to help in all my endeavours to become a successful woman wrestler. We neither have lands nor we have high income, but my father being a small farmer has never discouraged me. I owe a lot to my father.
SOM: Compared to other States, Karnataka lacks proper infrastructure for wrestling especially for women. What do you have to say on this?
Rita: Sadly, we don’t have the infrastructure that is required for women wrestlers. When Shobha Karandlaje was the District In-Charge Minister, we had requested her to construct a sports hostel for women in Mysore as it is the first place in the State to have women wrestlers.
Unfortunately, the facilities are provided at Belgaum and Davanagere. It is difficult for us to go there and get trained. I request the State Government to grant a sports hostel for wrestling in Mysore.
SOM: What are your future plans in wrestling and career?
Rita: I will continue to prepare for wrestling competitions. I aspire to become a Police Officer and serve the society. Earlier, the State Govt. provided job opportunities for wrestlers in Police Department and others. But, it has stopped now.
I have applied for the Sub-Inspector’s post and I am waiting for the interview call. Hopefully, I will do well in the interview and get through.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home>Feature Articles / Wednesday , October 15th, 2014