Kavita Devi to Be 1st Female Indian Star in WWE After Mae Young Classic Invite

WWE announced Thursday that Kavita Devi will become the first Indian woman to compete for the company when she takes part in the upcoming Mae Young Classic tournament.

According to WWE.com, the 5'9" Devi is a student of former WWE Superstar The Great Khali, and she also has a background in competitive powerlifting.

Per the Indian Express, Devi said the following about making history with WWE: "I am honored to be the first Indian woman to compete in WWE's first ever women's tournament. I hope to use this platform to inspire other Indian women with my performance and make India proud."

The former South Asian Games weightlifting gold medalist competes in The Great Khali's Continental Wrestling Entertainment promotion, and she caught the eye of WWE talent evaluators during a tryout in April.

WWE has recently placed emphasis on appealing to the Indian demographic, as it made Jinder Mahal WWE champion by defeating Randy Orton.

Along with Devi, WWE announced Thursday that Tessa Blanchard, Abbey Laith, Taynara Conti and Jazzy Gabert will join Toni Storm, Princesa Sugehit, Lacey Evans and Sarah Logan as participants in the 32-woman tournament.

The event will take place July 13 and 14 at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida.

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