Sangeeta Phogat
| Sangeeta Phogat | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 14 February 1995
Balali, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Wrestler |
| Sport | Freestyle wrestling |
| Weight class | 59 kg |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Coach | Mahavir Singh Phogat |
| Spouse | Bajrang Punia |
Sangeeta Phogat is an Indian freestyle wrestler who competes primarily in the 59 kg weight category. She is a member of the renowned Phogat wrestling family and the daughter of coach Mahavir Singh Phogat. Known for her consistency at the national level and her performances in international ranking tournaments, she has represented India at several major wrestling events.
Early life
Sangeeta Phogat was born on 14 February 1995 in Balali village, Haryana, into the Phogat family, known for its contribution to Indian wrestling. She is the youngest daughter of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler and coach credited with pioneering women’s wrestling in India.
Growing up in a traditional wrestling environment, she trained alongside her sisters Geeta Phogat, Babita Phogat, and Ritu Phogat, as well as her cousins Vinesh Phogat and Priyanka Phogat. She received her early education in Haryana while undergoing rigorous wrestling training at the family akhara.[1]
Wrestling career
Early career
Sangeeta Phogat gained early recognition at the junior level when she won a silver medal at the 2013 Junior Asian Wrestling Championships. Her performances established her as a promising talent in Indian women’s wrestling.
National and international competitions
She won a gold medal at the 2017 National Wrestling Championships, marking a significant milestone in her domestic career. In 2018, she represented India at the Commonwealth Games, where she secured a bronze medal in the freestyle category.[2]
Sangeeta has also competed in the Pro Wrestling League, representing Delhi Sultans. She has participated in Asian Championships, Asian Games, and international ranking series events, gaining experience against elite global competitors.[3]
In 2023, she won a bronze medal at the Budapest Ranking Series, reaffirming her position in India’s senior wrestling circuit and improving her international standing.
Awards and honours
- Arjuna Award (2021)
- Bronze medal – Commonwealth Games (2018)
- Gold medal – National Wrestling Championships (2017)
- Silver medal – Junior Asian Wrestling Championships (2013)
Personal life
Sangeeta Phogat married Indian wrestler and Olympian Bajrang Punia on 25 November 2020. The wedding ceremony followed a symbolic tradition of eight pheras, with the eighth dedicated to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, reflecting the family’s advocacy for women’s empowerment.
Legacy and impact
As part of the Phogat family, Sangeeta Phogat has contributed to the broader movement that transformed women’s wrestling in India. While maintaining her individual competitive career, she continues to be seen as a representative of the discipline, resilience, and social change associated with the Phogat legacy.