Quotes from Geeta Phogat

Inner strength is very important.

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

There was no roof where we trained, so it used to get very hot during the day and the mud used to feel very cold during the evening.

We had a very hard training during our childhood and I don't want to live it again.

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

I used to watch Babita and Vinesh win medals. I was happy for my sisters but at the same time I felt bad for not being a part of the contingent.

My father gave us inner confidence. He taught us, as young girls, never to be scared.

Young girls in Haryana should speak their mind and not be afraid to challenge the system.

I wear jeans and shorts. I travelled on my own to Mumbai for my knee surgery. I can go to Delhi when I want. Being a sportsperson helps me get away from the bhed bhav of Haryana.

Don't just set a goal for your child but ensure that they play outdoor sports for overall development.

I think if we are at a war with an enemy country, that country is responsible for our soldiers' deaths.

There are a mix of good and bad people everywhere, be it Punjab, Delhi or Haryana.

We are proud to be role models.

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

We have won laurels for the country in wrestling but still, in spite of winning medals, not many people recognised us.

The problem of burgeoning population can be addressed if we begin with women itself. And, we need to educate them and spread awareness about birth control and family planning through TV channels and newspapers.

Colorado Springs is a very good place to train ahead of the Olympics. We get to compete with different partners, learn different movements, we also get to improve upon our speed, which is very essential.

Seeing my name in the newspapers after winning the national junior championship motivated me to win more medals and I have never looked back since then.

I've seen the success of Mary Kom at the Olympics... We stayed in the same flat. If she can win a medal after being the mother of two, why can't I?

Things are not going to change until Indian women, and their parents, stop being afraid of what society will say. This is the single biggest obstacle. The fear of what people will say and how this will shame their parents means that women are paralysed.

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.

I want to settle down and start an academy in a rural area, because I feel that's where most champions come from. If you have everything in life, why would you wake up at 3:30 A.M. to train? I feel there's a lot of talent that goes untapped there, especially in women sports.

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

My only aim is to win an Olympic medal.