The Inspiring Journey Of India's First Female Sumo Wrestler, Hetal Dave

Meet Hetal Dave, India's pioneering female sumo wrestler, who has broken barriers and made history in the world of sports. Despite sumo wrestling not being officially recognized in India, Hetal has made significant strides in the sport, earning herself a spot in the Limca Book of Records in 2008. Her remarkable journey has seen her represent India on numerous international platforms, including the prestigious World Games, where she stood as the sole female participant from the country amidst over 200 other sports. 

Speaking to SheThePeople, Hetal Dave delved into her inspiring story and her groundbreaking achievements in the arena of sumo wrestling.

Hetal Dave's Story In Her Own Words

I was five when sports became a big part of my life. My parents lived in a village all their lives—in many ways, sports were their life, and by the age of 5, it became mine too. Being heavy or chubby, I’d hear endless taunts about my weight. It made me sad. Sometimes I couldn’t find clothes that fit. Going out was tiring—everyone looked so thin; my weight became a pressure. I felt alone, but I didn't know what was coming. Days later, my sports club organised a sumo championship, and I was intrigued.

I had never seen something like this before, so I spent the next few days researching. There were no Indian women in Sumo wrestling back then. So, I wrote a letter to the Japanese association asking if women could participate too. I grew up with weight taunts all my life, and watching the fight back in my club made me think, ‘Why not make my weakness my strength?’

In the beginning, I didn’t know much, but my Judo training helped. It made my basics strong. But there was more to sumo than just training. Each step was a test—the endless training sessions, looking for sponsors.

It was difficult for a female sportswoman to find sponsors: ‘Ladki hai kya kar paegi, inse kuch nahi hone wala’. Many thought I was lying about sumo just for the money. But my supportive family helped me through it. Dad and brother were my two pillars who helped with it all, and soon a miracle happened. I was one of the eight females in the world to make it to the World Game. Soon, a regional Gujarati newspaper got us a sponsor. And the next second, I had an approved visa for the World Games!

I stood on the global stage of sumo, being my own coach and manager. It was a moment. I had made my parent’s dream come true. I had made my dream come true. In 2012, I retired and married the love of my life. But I wasn't going to hit a full stop, so I started teaching sumo wrestling to little girls, of which many today are national-level players.

Teaching gave me a bigger purpose. I felt proud—not many girls get to pursue what they want because of what society thinks or because of their bodies.

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