Discover the inspiring life story of Babita Kumari Phogat, an Indian freestyle wrestler and politician. From her early days training with her family to her achievements on the international stage and entry into politics, Babita’s journey is one of determination and breaking barriers.

Wiki/Biography

Babita Kumari was born on Monday, November 20, 1989, in Bhiwani, Haryana. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio. After completing her schooling, she continued her education at MDU, Rohtak. Her father, a wrestler himself, instilled in Babita and her sister Geeta a love for the sport from a young age. Their training often involved wrestling with boys in neighboring villages, a testament to Babita’s resilience in a field not traditionally open to women in India. Further training came at the National Sports Academy in Patiala.

Physical Appearance

Here’s a summary of Babita’s physical attributes:

• Height: 5′ 3½”
• Weight (approx.): 55 kg
• Hair Colour: Black
• Eye Colour: Black

Family, Caste & Boyfriend

Babita Kumari Phogat hails from a Hindu Jat family. Her father is the renowned wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, and her mother is Shobha Kaur. She has a brother, Dushyant Phogat, and three sisters: Geeta Phogat, Sangita Phogat, and Ritu Phogat – all accomplished wrestlers. She married wrestler Vivek Suhag on December 1, 2019, in her ancestral village.

Career

Wrestling

Babita’s wrestling career began in 2009 at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship, where she won gold. Her silver medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games propelled her to national recognition. In 2012, she became only the second Indian female wrestler (after her sister Geeta) to win a medal at the World Championships, earning a bronze. Further successes include a gold medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and a silver medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Despite a first-round defeat at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she remains a prominent figure in Indian wrestling. She also appeared on the dance reality show “Nach Baliye 9” with Vivek Suhag in 2019.

Politics

Initially a supporter of the Indian National Lok Dal, Babita joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with her father in August 2019. She contested the 2019 Haryana Assembly Elections but wasn’t elected.

Controversy

In 2018, Babita and her sisters faced expulsion from the Lucknow National Camp due to unexplained absences. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) cited this as a serious breach of discipline.

Medals

Babita’s impressive medal haul reflects her dedication and skill:

Favourite Things

Babita’s preferences offer a glimpse into her personality:

• Food: Churma
• Actors: Aamir Khan, Dharmendra, Shah Rukh Khan
• Cricketer: Virat Kohli

Facts

Some interesting facts about Babita’s life:

• Her hobbies include listening to music, traveling, and cooking.
• She follows a non-vegetarian diet.
• She is a top Indian female wrestler in the 53-55 kg category.
• Babita, along with her sister Geeta and cousin Vinesh, has significantly impacted her region, known previously for issues like female feticide.
• Her father initially wanted a son to train in wrestling, but he subsequently trained Babita and Geeta.
• The Phogat sisters’ strict training regime, as depicted in the movie “Dangal,” was even more rigorous in reality.
• She underwent hand surgery just days before the 2010 Commonwealth Games trials, yet still won a silver medal.
• The Haryana Government appointed her as a Sub Inspector in the Haryana Police in 2013 after her 2010 Commonwealth Games success.
• She received the Arjuna Award in 2015.
• Babita is passionate about animal welfare.
• A petition to promote her to Deputy Superintendent of Police was dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2019.