Kavita Devi created history when she became the first Indian wrestler to compete in World Wrestling Entertainment's Mae Young Classic, which is the first ever WWE tournament for women, in July this year.

Kavita had participated in the WWE Dubai tryout in April where she gained the attention of talent scouts with her strong performance. (Also read: I hope to defend my WWE Championship on Indian soil: Jinder Mahal to India Today)

Even though she lost her fight against New Zealand's Dakota Kai at the Mae Young Classic, the wrestler from Haryana is still an inspiration for young boys and girls who want to take up the sport. (Also read: Jinder Mahal dreams of bringing WWE championship belt to India)

The former competitive powerlifter and South Asian Games gold medal winner is now aiming to achieve greater heights in professional wrestling and make the country proud at the world stage once again.

Kavita, who says she is never satisfied with what she has achieved in the sport, spoke at length with India Today about her unique career choice, the sporting culture in Haryana and what it was like to meet former WWE Champion The Great Khali in person for the first time.

(WWE Photo) (WWE Photo)

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: How has the rich wrestling culture in Haryana helped shape you?

Kavita Devi: Haryana has come up so much in the sporting culture. When an athlete represents the nation and gets so much respect and recognition from it. It gives the athlete a lot of motivation.

I have been a champion in weightlifting in the South Asian Games. I myself wanted to do something different and pursue something which nobody has ever done before. I have never been satisfied with winning medals I have always wanted to achieve greater heights. I entered wrestling which was a completely new field for Indian women. I get a lot of inspiration from athletes who have represented India from our state.

Q: How difficult was it to make your way into professional wrestling from India?

Kavita: I come from a sports background that's why I did not face a lot of difficulties in entering professional wrestling. But it is a very tough sport to pursue compared to other sports. It involves everything from gymnastics to mixed martial arts. But being a woman we do have to fight the mindset of our society and overcome such kind of difficulties. The mindset of people doesn't change no matter how much we try and for that we have to work hard and prove ourselves on our own. Being a woman it is very tough. But I got the support of my family. My husband and parents were supportive of my career choice.

(PTI Photo) (PTI Photo)

Q: Tell us about your experience of training with Khali?

Kavita: I used to watch Khali Sir on TV and always wanted to meet him and get to know him as a person. I never thought I would enter this field but I did and got the opportunity to meet Khali Sir. Then I got the opportunity to train with him. Initially I used to feel a bit intimidated by his stature and size. I couldn't believe that I was standing next to him and wrestling with him. But he taught me everything and I have reached this stage because of the Great Khali. I owe everything to the Great Khali in wrestling. It would have been impossible for me to get into wrestling if he didn't give me such a big opportunity.

Q: There's so much interest in Indian audiences about WWE. Do you feel it is tapped enough?

Kavita: People in India are crazy about WWE. Even small kids tune into WWE every week. After Khali sir became champion it inspired other Indian wrestlers like Jinder Mahal, who is the current WWE champion. Then I went there and that has also been a big achievement as an Indian. I feel my presence in WWE has added to the craze and attraction here in India. A lot of women have also started to follow the sports now. It just goes to show that Indian female wrestlers are no less than anybody and even women from our country can make it big in professional wrestling.

Q: You left a secure job with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to pursue your dreams. It must feel great to see your dream come true?

Kavita: As I said I'm never satisfied with what I have achieved. During my career in weightlifting I had joined SSB But due to so many government formalities I couldn't find the time to practice. That is why I thought of leaving my job even though it wasn't an easy decision to make. I had a lot of second thoughts of leaving a secure job but I believed in myself. I told myself that if I leave my job then I will have to prove myself in wrestling. I believed in myself and took the decision to leave my job and by god's grace I have been able to make a name in wrestling. Looking back now I don't regret leaving SSB for wrestling.

(PTI Photo) (PTI Photo)

Q: What's your advice for women when they are faced with lecherous men and their safety is endangered?

Kavita: There is a saying in Haryanvi - it's always better to avoid getting into an argument/fight with someone. People think women are physically not as strong as men. Women who take up sports become very bold and confident compared to others and they become strong enough to fight all kinds of difficulties. But apart from the sportswomen, there are others who are not able to stand up against the society and harassment from the opposite sex. That is why I feel the male mindset needs to change only then can women feel safe in our country.

Q: Women sports stars are making a mark in India for years now. Do you think they get due respect?

Kavita: Our country does give a lot of respect to female sportspersons. Government is also doing its bit by giving awards, medals and facilities to train. If a female athlete does well then she does get adequate recognition and motivation from the government. The society also gives them a lot of respect.

Q: You have a five-year-old son, who is his favourite WWE star?

Kavita: My son is just five years old so he gets to see wrestling whenever he accompanies me. Although he doesn't get to spend a lot of time with me. He knows the Great Khali but isn't aware of the names of other wrestlers being so young. But he does like to try wrestling moves on his friends at home.

Q: What is next for you as a wrestler in WWE?

Kavita: It all depends on WWE whether they want to give me more opportunities in future. They gave me a chance to fight in Mae Young Classic for which I'm very grateful to WWE. My goal now is to become the first Indian female champion at the world stage.