Sat, Mar 10, 2007 - Page 16 News List

Indian women wrestle with success

The Wrestling Federation of India says it has been promoting the women's sport more in recent years and there are now about 200 professional female wrestlers in India

AFP , NEW DELHI

During the training session, Chandgi Ram, who is now in his seventies, sits outside in front of a red Hanuman Temple, dedicated to the vigorous monkey god revered by Indian wrestlers.

"We want medals. If girls can win medals then let's train girls," said Chandgi Ram, matter-of-factly, about his decision to begin training women at his camp.

"In India there's opposition for women everywhere. But we have to go forward."

Sudesh, a 14-year-old from Haryana, said that she had faced some criticism for being a wrestler, though not from her parents.

"Older people get more upset but girls are doing well in it," said Sudesh, who has been training for two years. Unlike many Indian girls, she is far from thinking about marriage.

"Not 'til I bring some medals."

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