The youngest of the Phogat sisters, 20-year-old Vinesh, who is Mahavir's niece, credits the change in the mindset of people in the village to Geeta's triumph in 2010.
"Though we came from a family of wrestlers, there were objections from the villagers. But thanks to Geeta didi's success I didn't face any problems. By the time I took up the sport, Geeta didi had made her mark in Indian sport. So, thanks to her, now the villagers see us as role models for their kids," Vinesh told IANS.
When reminded of Haryana's notorious female foeticides, Vinesh cited the example of her family.
"I think my family is a classic example to all those who feel a girl child is a curse. We have proved that nothing is impossible. I sincerely hope that our success reaches out to more and more people and can change their mindset," said Vinesh, the winner of the freestyle 48kg gold.
Babita, who also won the gold medal in the 55kg section, agreed with her cousin.
"The Commonwealth Games have proved that we are no less than the male wrestlers. Out of 13 medals that Indian won, the female wrestlers won six. This is a big improvement in the last four years," said 24-year-old Babita, who had won the silver in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
This time in Glasgow, Babita was determined to win the gold.
"The preparations were good and I was determined to win the gold. Women wrestlers are going from strength to strength and the Glasgow Games have given us the confidence that now we are destined for bigger things," said Babita.
Geeta skipped the Glasgow Games with an injury, but remains a role model for young female wrestlers.
Talking to IANS, Geeta recalled the days when the whole village was against her father introducing her to the sport.
"The whole village was up in arms. But my father (Mahavir) was determined. Slowly once we started winning medals, the mindset changed. I feel it is for us to take the initiative and change the mentality of those who feel that a girl child is a burden on the family," the 25-year-old Geeta recalled.
