Ritu Phogat, a prominent Indian athlete, is known for her exceptional career in wrestling and her transition to the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). She hails from a family deeply rooted in wrestling, a legacy she carries with pride and skill.
Wiki/Biography
Born on Monday, May 2, 1994, in Balali, Haryana, Ritu Phogat’s zodiac sign is Taurus. Her wrestling journey began at the young age of eight under the expert guidance of her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat. Initially finding the rigorous training challenging – waking up at 4 a.m. daily – she cultivated a deep passion for the sport. After completing her class 10 exams, she dedicated herself entirely to wrestling, forgoing further schooling to focus on her athletic pursuits.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 1”
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Boyfriend
Ritu Phogat comes from a Hindu Jat family. Her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, is a renowned amateur wrestler and senior Olympics coach. Her mother, Shobha (Daya) Kaur, is a homemaker. She is notably the sister of fellow wrestlers Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat, and also has a younger sister, Sangeeta Phogat, and a younger brother, Dushyant Phogat (Modu). This supportive family environment played a significant role in shaping her athletic career.
Career
Ritu’s wrestling career started in 2011 in the 48 kg freestyle category. Her international debut arrived in 2014 at the FILA Junior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. A highlight was her consecutive wins at the National Wrestling Championships in October 2016.
Her gold medal win at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in Singapore marked a pivotal moment. This success propelled her to become the most expensive female wrestler at the Pro Wrestling League auction in December 2016, surpassing established wrestlers like Sakshi Malik and her own sister, Geeta. She commanded a price of ₹36 lakh to represent the Jaipur Ninjas franchise.
In November 2017, she added a silver medal from the World U-23 Wrestling Championship in Bydgoszcz, Poland, to her impressive collection. However, in February 2019, Ritu made the significant decision to transition from wrestling to MMA, signing with ONE Championship. She expressed excitement about competing on a global stage and showcasing Indian martial arts talent.
She underwent intensive training at the EVOLVE MMA organization in Singapore, mastering various martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and boxing. Her MMA debut with ONE Championship occurred on November 16, 2019, against Malaysian kickboxer Cindy Tiong.
Medals
Ritu’s impressive medal collection includes:
| Competition | Medal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Asia Championship | Gold | 2011 |
| Cadet Asia Championship | Gold | 2011 |
| Cadet World Championship | Bronze | 2011 |
| Junior Asian Championship | Bronze | 2014 |
| Junior World Wrestling Championship | Silver | 2014 |
| Commonwealth Wrestling Championship | Gold | 2016 |
| World U-23 Wrestling Championship | Silver | 2017 |
Favourite Things
- Actor: Aamir Khan
- Actress: Sanjeeda Sheikh
- Musicians: Yo Yo Honey Singh, Justin Bieber
Facts
Ritu’s hobbies include cooking and swimming. She is a dedicated follower of the Iranian wrestling team and maintains a rigorous fitness regimen. The film “Dangal,” based on her family’s story, was released in 2016. In 2017, she achieved the distinction of being the first Indian to win silver at the World U-23 Wrestling Championship. Her sisters, Geeta and Babita, are her greatest inspirations. She dedicates approximately six hours daily to her training. Her daily breakfast, prepared by her father, includes juice, curd, and an almond shake.
Her interest in martial arts stemmed from watching YouTube videos from 2012. She received full family support in her decision to pursue an MMA career. In October 2019, she set a two-year goal to become India’s first MMA World Champion.
