Discover the inspiring life story of Geeta Phogat, a trailblazing Indian wrestler who broke barriers and made history. This comprehensive biography delves into her achievements, family background, and personal journey.
Wiki/Biography
Geeta Phogat, born Geeta Kumari Phogat on December 15, 1988, in Balali Village, Haryana, India, is a renowned Indian wrestler. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. She celebrates her birthday every year on December 15th.
She pursued her education at Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, Haryana. Her wrestling journey began under the guidance of her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat. Due to limited facilities in her village, her father enrolled her and her sister, Babita, at the Sports Authority of India Centre in Sonipat, providing them with better training opportunities.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5′ 3½”
- Weight (approx.): 65 kg
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
Geeta hails from a Jat family. Her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, is a former wrestler and a highly respected Olympic coach, also a recipient of the prestigious Dronacharya Award. Her mother, Shobha Kaur, is a homemaker.
She has a supportive family including a younger brother, Dushyant (also a wrestler), and three sisters: Babita Kumari (wrestler), Sangeeta Phogat (wrestler), and Ritu Phogat (wrestler). On November 20, 2016, she married fellow wrestler Pawan Kumar.
Career
Geeta’s wrestling career is marked by significant achievements. Competing in the 62 kg freestyle category, mentored by her father, she made her international debut at the 2009 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in Jalandhar, Punjab, securing a gold medal.
Her most celebrated victory was at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, where she became the first Indian woman to win gold in wrestling, defeating Emily Bensted of Australia with a decisive 1-0, 7-0 score.
She also holds the distinction of being the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the Olympics (2012).
Controversies
Geeta’s career wasn’t without its challenges. Following the release of the film “Dangal,” controversy arose regarding the portrayal of her coach during the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Additionally, she and her sister Babita faced disqualification from the 2016 Rio Olympics due to undisclosed injuries during the qualifying tournament.
In 2018, a temporary ban from the Asian Games by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was later lifted following clarification.
Awards & Achievements
Geeta’s impressive career is reflected in her numerous awards and achievements:
| Award/Championship | Year | Result | Weight Class (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arjuna Award | 2012 | Winner | – |
| Commonwealth Games | 2010 | Gold | 55 |
| Commonwealth Wrestling Championships | 2009 | Gold | 55 |
| Commonwealth Wrestling Championships | 2011 | Gold | 55 |
| Commonwealth Wrestling Championships | 2013 | Silver | 59 |
| World Wrestling Championships | 2012 | Bronze | 55 |
| Asian Wrestling Championships | 2012 | Bronze | 55 |
| Asian Wrestling Championships | 2015 | Bronze | 58 |
| FILA Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament | 2012 | Gold | – |
| Dave Schultz Memorial Tournament | 2013 | Silver | – |
| Dave Schultz Memorial Tournament | 2014 | Bronze | – |
Favourite Things
- Fashion Brands: Marks & Spencer, Zara, H&M
- Fashion Designer: Ritu Kumar
- Sports: Wrestling, Kabaddi
- Actor: Sunny Deol
- Travel Destination: Mauritius
Facts
Wrestling is deeply ingrained in the Phogat family history. Geeta’s grandfather, Man Singh, was a wrestler; her father, Mahavir, is a renowned wrestler and coach; her sisters (Babita, Sangeeta, and Ritu) and brother (Dushyant) are all wrestlers; and even her cousins, Priyanka and Vinesh Phogat, are professional wrestlers.
Her father’s inspiration to train his daughters stemmed from Karnam Malleswari’s Olympic achievement. Geeta and her sister Babita faced societal criticism for pursuing wrestling as teenagers.
Her father dedicated himself to their training, often waking them at 3:30 AM for rigorous sessions. Her love story with Pawan Kumar blossomed through Facebook, despite initial setbacks. The movie “Dangal” is a biopic of her family’s inspiring story.
In October 2016, she was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police in Haryana. She enjoys fitness, participated in “Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi,” and has a tattoo of her husband’s name. Geeta is also a pet lover, owning a dog named Sheru and a cat named Bella.
