In a world where the glamour industry often steals the limelight, Ritu Phogat built herself by not just walking through the path less travelled but by running and successfully achieving the goal. Born into a family of wrestling champions, Ritu, from the dusty wrestling pits to the world-class MMS cages, is not just about legacy, but about her perseverance, transformation, and relentless ambition. Ritu reflects as a symbol of courage, grit, and inspiration for all the aspiring athletes and women across India.
Early Life: A Champion in the Making
Ritu Phogat was born on May 2, 1994, in a small village in Haryana—a place where many girls still struggle for basic rights. But her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a renowned wrestling coach, had a different vision. He trained all his daughters in wrestling, a sport traditionally reserved for men. Like her sisters, Ritu Phogat started her days before sunrise, enduring grueling training sessions and following a strict regimen.
Her hard work paid off. Ritu Phogat became a three-time Indian National Wrestling Champion. In 2016, she clinched gold at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship, and in 2017, she brought home a silver medal from the World U-23 Wrestling Championship in Poland.
The Silent Revolution
Ritu Phogat’s wrestling prowess was more than just technical—it was psychological. Her unique defense and stamina made her a formidable opponent. Opponents often found it tough to grasp her defence and withstand her stamina. Her wrestling career was adorned with victories, and her victories were not just personal; they were societal, as India, being a country that struggled to promote women in sports, saw Ritu as a light of change.
Even though in 2019, Ritu was at the height of her wrestling career and a strong competitor for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She announces her decision to pursue Mixed Martial Arts and leave Wrestling. Everyone was stunned by this move of hers.
But why did she take this step?
She confidently answered that it wasn’t a whim but was a calculated risk, fueled by a desire to challenge herself and explore new possibilities. She believed her wrestling background would give her a strong push in MMA. And joined Evolve MMA (based in Singapore), which is a leading training center, known for grooming world-class MMA fighters.
Just the Beginning
In 2019, Ritu made her debut in ONE Championship, where she defeated Nam Hee Kim in the first round by technical knockout. From then, she pushed herself even more and mastered disciplines like Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and striking.
As per 2024 MMA records, she has built a profile of 7 wins and 4 losses. In 2021, she was a finalist in One Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix, representing herself as one of the top contenders in the division. Even after losing, she never gave up her attitude and gained respect for her perseverance and tactical mindset. Videos of her matches have been watched by millions and have also played a big role in popularizing MMA, especially for women in India.
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Though life hits you with setbacks, never give up and always stay positive with your attitude and future.
Adding a new chapter to her life, Ritu and her husband welcomed a baby boy in June 2024.
She didn’t let motherhood slow down her career and continued to train and inspire. Proving that women can indeed balance both professional and personal fulfillment.
Ritu’s work motivated countless women whose aspirations had to face societal pressure after marriage and motherhood. Ritu is a standing proof that dreams aren’t meant to be sacrificed at the chains of tradition.
Ritu often uses social media and public appearances as a platform to speak on women’s empowerment, sports development, and mental health. Making herself not just a sports star but also a voice of change, which is loved by all the aspiring athletes and fans closely.
