Sangita Phogat (Sangeeta Phogat) is an Indian wrestler who belongs to the famed wrestling family, 'the Phogats'. She competes in the freestyle category. Sangeeta has represented India in numerous national and international competitions and has won several medals for her country. She is a silver medalist at the National Championships.
About Sangeeta Phogat
Image Source: Instagram| Name | Sangeeta (Sangita) Phogat |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 14, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Balali, Haryana |
| Family | Phogat family |
| Wrestling Style | Freestyle |
| Coaches | Mahavir Singh Phogat, Kuldeep Malik |
| Major Achievements | Bronze medal at 2018 Commonwealth Games, Gold medal at 2017 National Wrestling Championships, Silver medal at 2013 Junior Asian Championships |
| Awards and Honours | Arjuna Award (2021) |
Phogat Sisters
Image Source: The WeekWhen one hears the name, Wrestling is the word that instantly strikes the mind. And why not? After the 2016 blockbuster by the name Dangal, the term 'Phogat' and more precisely, 'Phogat Sisters' has become a household name.
A famous line from another of the blockbusters, Spider-Man, goes like this: "With power comes great responsibility." But for one of the youngest 'Phogats', it's a great name (and legacy) that brings great responsibility. This is Sangita Phogat, the youngest daughter of the wrestling bastion Mahavir Phogat.
For the better part of her life, Sangita (or Sangeeta) Phogat lived in the shadow of her glorious siblings. Given that she is the youngest, she not only has big expectations but also has high-achieving sisters, does leads to inevitable comparisons. Three of her eldest sisters are Olympians and World Champions.
Unfortunately, Sangita Phogat is not one of them, yet. At 23, she entered this sport. Silver at the 2017 national games is the best she has to show for the time being.
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Sangita in Reality Show – Rise and Fall
Sangeeta Phogat has gone beyond the established boundaries by entering the realm of reality television. She became a celebrity participant of the show Rise & Fall on Amazon MX Player. Her transposition from the wrestling arena to the camera lens made her public image more visible.
She brought it to the show with her power, feeling, and toughness - to the delight of some and to the rage of others. Her presence in the world of reality TV made her followers see a more intimate version of Sangita Phogat, who is also known as a wrestler.
Phogat Family
Image Source: Olympics.comSangita Phogat was born to the wrestling maestro and Dronacharya awardee, Mahavir Singh Phogat and Daya Shobha Kaur on 5th March 1998 in Balali, Haryana. She has 4 siblings, 3 elder sisters (Geeta, Babita, and Ritu) and a younger brother named Dushyant. Sangita also has two cousin sisters from her uncle, Vinesh Phogat and Priyanka Phogat.
Mahavir Phogat, a senior Olympic coach, trains all six Phogats in their hometown in the Bhiwani district.
Geeta Phogat is India's first wrestling gold medalist in the Commonwealth Games. Vinesh, her cousin, also won gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games. Babita Phogat also won gold medals at these events, in the 55 kg category.
Priyanka Phogat won a silver at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Bangkok in 2016. Vinesh Phogat also won bronze at the World Wrestling Championship 2022 in the women's 53kg category.
Last but not least, Ritu Kumari Phogat is an Indian mixed martial artist currently signed to ONE Championship. She also won a gold medal at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship. All 6 sisters are popularly known as the 'Phogat Sisters'.
Sangeeta Phogat Husband – Bajrang Punia
Image Source: InstagramSangeeta Phogat tied the knot with wrestler Bajrang Punia on November 25, 2020. At their wedding, the newlyweds took eight 'pheras'. The eight 'phera' was dedicated to the girl child as they vowed for the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao'-a government campaign.
Her sisters, Geeta and Babita, also took eight 'pheras' during their wedding, and the same tradition was followed at Sangeeta's wedding. It is worth noting that Sangita’s husband, Bajrang Punia, is one of the prominent figures of the 2023 Indian wrestlers’ protest.
Sangita Phogat Father:Mahavir Singh Phogat
Mahavir Singh Phogat, a wrestler and coach of great repute, is primarily recognised as the father of the Phogat sisters. Originating from the village of Balali in Haryana, he single-handedly trained his daughters. He was the carrier of a visionary idea: women in wrestling, shattering the stereotypes.
Image: InstagramHe was awarded the Dronacharya Award, the highest coaching honour of India, for his work. Sangeeta Phogat, along with her sister, learnt to be tough, learn technique, and be mentally strong from the very beginning, all under the severe discipline of their father.
It is not only his medals that he is make him known, but also how his image has changed the perceptions of society regarding women in sports.
Sangeeta Phogat Facts
Image Source: News18- Sangeeta loves travelling and also loves doing yoga.
- Sangeeta and her sisters were expelled from Lucknow National Camp due to their unexplained absence in May 2018.
- Her father, Mahavir Phogat, was very happy with her daughter’s decision to marry Bajrang Punia.
- Her favourite actor and actress are Amir Khan and Deepika Padukone, respectively
Sangita Phogat latest Photos
Image Source: InstagramImage: InstagramFAQs
Who is the youngest in the Phogat sisters?Sangeeta Phogat is the youngest Phogat sister and is a wrestler who has represented India in many events. She is married to Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Bajrang Punia.
Sangeeta Phogat usually competes in the 59 kg weight category for freestyle wrestling.
Who is the most successful Phogat sister?Geeta, Babita, and Vinesh clinched gold in different weight categories at the Commonwealth Games, while Priyanka won a silver medal at the Asian Championships. Ritu is a National Championships gold medalist and also won a gold medal at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship. Sangita has won medals at age-level international championships.
Is Dangal a true story?Aamir Khan’s Dangal is based on the real-life story of Haryanvi wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who worked hard and trained his daughters to become world-class wrestlers.