Last Updated on 3 June 2023 by Biographybliss Team
Geeta Phogat is a renowned Indian wrestler who has made her country proud on multiple occasions. Geeta was born on December 15, 1988, in Balali, Haryana, to Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler himself, who trained Geeta and her sisters, Babita, Ritu, and Vinesh in wrestling.
Under his rigorous training, Geeta became India’s first woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2010, and also the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for the Olympics. In this article, we will delve into Geeta Phogat’s inspiring life story, career highlights, personal life, and more.
Early Life and Education
Geeta Phogat is a renowned Indian wrestler who was born on December 15, 1988, in a small village called Balali in the Bhiwani district of Haryana. She hails from a family with a wrestling background, with her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat being a distinguished wrestler himself.
Geeta spent most of her childhood in Balali, where she was raised alongside her sisters, Babita, Ritu, Sangeeta, and Vinesh. Her father trained all of his daughters in wrestling and encouraged them to pursue it as a career.
Mahavir’s vision for his daughters in wrestling was unconventional, yet inspiring. He wanted his daughters to break free from gender barriers and prove that women could excel in wrestling just as men do.
Geeta’s training began at a young age with her father being her first coach. She underwent rigorous training regimes, including learning Freestyle wrestling, which would later pave the way for her success in the wrestling field. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she rapidly progressed in wrestling.
Geeta had shown exceptional skills in wrestling since her amateur career, and had won several national and international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games in 2010, where she clinched India’s first gold in women’s wrestling.
She also bagged a gold medal at the Dave Schultz Memorial Tournament in the USA, a bronze medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships, a silver medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships, and a bronze medal in the World Wrestling Championships.
All of Geeta’s achievements and hard work led her to become the first Indian women wrestler to have qualified for the Olympics in 2012. She proudly represented India in the London Olympics and put up a commendable performance.
Furthermore, her father was awarded the Dronacharya Award for his contribution to wrestling, which was a proud moment for the entire family.
In conclusion, Geeta Phogat’s early life revolved around her family’s passion for wrestling, and her father’s vision of creating a future for his daughters in wrestling.
Her achievements and awards throughout her amateur career are a testament to her dedication and hard work, which made her the first Indian woman wrestler to represent her country in the Olympics.
Professional Wrestling Career
Geeta’s amateur wrestling career was just a stepping stone to what would become an illustrious professional wrestling career.
Her natural talent and hard work earned her a reputable name in the wrestling world, and she quickly rose through the ranks.
Geeta went on to participate in various international tournaments, clinched coveted titles, and made India proud with her remarkable performances.
Her journey in professional wrestling is a testament to her perseverance and dedication towards the sport.
Mahavir Singh Phogat’s Rigorous Training Regimen
Mahavir Singh Phogat’s coaching style is renowned for its rigorous and intense training regimen. His daughter, Geeta Phogat, was one of the athletes who benefited from this grueling routine.
Geeta’s daily routine under her father’s tutelage was designed to push her physical and mental limits, ensuring she would compete at the highest levels of wrestling.
Mahavir Singh Phogat’s approach to coaching stressed the importance of hard work, focus, and dedication to achieve success.
Mahavir motivated his daughters to work hard, sacrificing their social lives, and adhering to strict rules. Geeta was required to wake up early every morning, participate in 3-4 hours of intense training, and then attend school. In the afternoon, she would resume training again.
Mahavir’s regimen included a series of physical and mental exercises targeted at building stamina, strength, and flexibility.
The sport of wrestling demands both physical and mental toughness, and Mahavir’s program focused on cultivating both.
Additionally, the Phogat sisters’ diet was strictly monitored, emphasizing a protein-rich diet to support their grueling training.
The sacrifices that Geeta and her sisters made to excel in their sport are a testament to Mahavir’s coaching method.
Geeta’s daily routine was not for the faint-hearted, requiring a tremendous amount of discipline, perseverance, and mental fortitude.
However, these sacrifices paid off as Geeta went on to win multiple medals, including a gold medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
In conclusion, Mahavir Singh Phogat’s rigorous training regimen is renowned for its intensity and focus on developing both physical and mental toughness.
Geeta and her sisters’ success is a testament to the effectiveness of Mahavir’s coaching method and the sacrifices required to achieve success at the highest levels of competition.
Geeta’s First Gold Medal Win
Geeta Phogat’s first gold medal win at the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, India, was a historic moment for Indian wrestling. Geeta competed in the women’s 55kg freestyle wrestling event and displayed great determination to emerge victorious in the tournament.
In a thrilling final, Geeta faced Australian wrestler Emily Bensted, and the match lived up to its expectations. Geeta’s rigorous training and fierce determination paid off as she defeated her opponent and clinched the gold medal. Geeta’s win was celebrated all over India, and it marked a significant milestone in the history of Indian wrestling.
Geeta Phogat’s victory in the women’s 55kg freestyle wrestling event at the 2010 Commonwealth Games made her the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold in the prestigious tournament. Her win not only brought glory to the sport of wrestling but also inspired a new generation of female athletes in India.
Geeta’s achievement opened doors for many Indian women wrestlers who wanted to pursue wrestling but lacked opportunities and resources. Her success story became a source of motivation and hope for young female athletes who aspired to compete at the international level.
In conclusion, Geeta Phogat’s first gold medal win at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the women’s 55kg freestyle wrestling event remains a significant milestone in the history of Indian wrestling. Her victory marked the beginning of a new era for Indian women wrestlers, and it will always be remembered as a moment of pride for the country.
Other Accomplishments and Wins
Geeta Phogat’s success in wrestling extends beyond her major gold, silver, and bronze medal wins. In 2012, she won a bronze medal at the FILA Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament, which paved the way for her qualification to the London Olympics that year.
Geeta has also won several smaller tournaments, including the 2011 Dave Schultz Memorial Tournament and the 2012 International Wrestling Tournament in Belarus.
She has consistently performed well at the National Wrestling Championships, winning multiple golds, silvers, and bronzes in freestyle wrestling.
Aside from her victories on the mat, Geeta has also received numerous accolades and awards for her contribution to Indian wrestling. In 2012, she was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award by the Government of India in recognition of her achievements in the sport.
Geeta has also achieved several personal milestones throughout her career. In 2016, she became a sub-inspector with the Haryana Police, making her one of the few Indian athletes to pursue a career in law enforcement. She is also a proud mother, having welcomed a baby boy in December 2019.
Geeta’s impact on Indian wrestling culture is immeasurable. She, along with her sisters Babita, Ritu, and Vinesh, have become household names in India, inspiring a generation of young women to pursue their dreams in wrestling.
The Phogat sisters’ story also inspired the Aamir Khan-starring Bollywood movie “Dangal,” which chronicled the struggles and triumphs of their father and coach, Mahavir Singh Phogat.
Geeta’s success has helped to change societal attitudes towards female wrestlers, making the sport more accessible and inclusive for young girls in India.
Popularity and Representation of Female Wrestlers in India
India has a strong history of wrestling, with the sport being practiced for centuries. However, female wrestlers in India have long struggled to gain recognition and support.
Recently, this has begun to change thanks to the popularity and success of wrestlers like Geeta Phogat and her sisters. This newfound attention has helped pave the way for increased representation and opportunities for female wrestlers in India.
International Tournaments and Matches Competed In
Geeta Phogat is a renowned Indian wrestler who has achieved many accolades in her career. Let us discuss some of the significant tournaments and matches in which she has participated:
- 2010 Commonwealth Games: Geeta scripted history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal in women’s wrestling at the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. She defeated her Australian opponent Emily Bensted in the final to clinch gold.
- 2012 Asian Wrestling Championships: Geeta won a bronze medal in the 2012 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Gumi, South Korea. She competed in the 55 kg freestyle category and defeated Kazakhstan’s Aiym Abdildina to claim the bronze.
- 2012 Olympic Games: Geeta became the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for the Olympic Games. She competed in the 55 kg freestyle category but lost her opening match to Canadian wrestler Tonya Verbeek.
- 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships: Geeta won a silver medal in the 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships held in New Delhi. She competed in the 59 kg freestyle category and lost to Japan’s Kanako Murata in the final.
- 2014 Commonwealth Games: Geeta won a bronze medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland. She competed in the 55 kg freestyle category and defeated her Nigerian opponent in the bronze medal match.
- 2015 Asian Wrestling Championships: Geeta won a bronze medal in the 2015 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Doha, Qatar. She competed in the 58 kg freestyle category and defeated Mongolia’s Narangerel Erdenesukh in the bronze medal match.
- 2015 World Wrestling Championships: Geeta competed in the 58 kg freestyle category at the 2015 World Wrestling Championships held in Las Vegas, USA. However, she lost in the opening round to Russia’s Natalya Sinishin.
Apart from these, Geeta has also participated in other wrestling championships and matches. She comes from a family of wrestlers and has inspired her sisters Babita, Ritu, and Vinesh Phogat to take up wrestling.
She has won many prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and the Padma Shri for her contribution to Indian wrestling.
Fellow Indian Women Wrestlers on the Scene
In recent years, Indian women wrestlers have been making their marks on the world stage. These athletes have achieved impressive accomplishments and played a significant role in the advancement of women’s wrestling in India.
One of the most notable Indian women wrestlers is Vinesh Phogat. She recently won a gold medal in the 2021 Poland Open wrestling tournament, held in Warsaw.
Vinesh is the only Indian woman wrestler to have won two gold medals at the Asian Championships. She also won bronze at the 2019 World Championships, becoming the first Indian wrestler to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
Vinesh’s success has helped to inspire a new generation of Indian women to pursue wrestling as a profession.
Another wrestler who is making waves in the wrestling scene is Ritu Phogat. Ritu recently won a gold medal in the 2020 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships held in New Delhi, in the 53 kg category.
Being the youngest of the Phogat sisters – renowned wrestlers in India, she has consistently been clinching gold medals for India in international tournaments.
She has made a significant contribution to the advancement of women’s wrestling in India by being a role model for young girls and promoting the sport in her community.
Babita Kumari is an accomplished Indian woman wrestler who has won multiple medals in international tournaments. She won silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2012 World Wrestling Championships.
Babita has been recognized for her achievements and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 2016. She has been a part of several initiatives to promote women’s wrestling in India, including starting her own academy to train young wrestlers.
Indian women wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Ritu Phogat and Babita Kumari have been instrumental in the advancement of women’s wrestling in India.
Through their accomplishments, these athletes have inspired young girls to take up wrestling and have brought recognition to the sport in the country.
Their dedication to the sport and impressive performances in international tournaments have put India on the map as a formidable force in women’s wrestling.
The Release of Dangal Movie and Aamir Khan’s Portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat
The release of the movie ‘Dangal’ in 2016 had a significant impact on the life of Geeta Phogat, a prominent Indian woman wrestler.
The film was based on the life of Geeta’s father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trained his daughters, including Geeta and her sister Babita, in wrestling despite society’s disapproval of girls in sports.
Aamir Khan portrayed the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat in the movie, which contributed significantly to its success.
The film’s portrayal of a father who trained his daughters to become successful wrestlers in a society dominated by men inspired many people, not just in India, but all over the world.
The movie’s success also led to the popularity of Geeta Phogat, who was portrayed by actress Fatima Sana Shaikh in the film.
Geeta became a household name in India, and her story of succeeding against all odds inspired many girls to take up wrestling as a profession.
The film’s international success further enhanced Geeta’s popularity among fans of wrestling around the world.
Apart from Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat, the movie’s success was also attributed to its box office success and the performances of the cast.
It became one of the highest-grossing Indian movies of all time and received critical acclaim for its gripping storyline and powerful performances.
Geeta Phogat herself appreciated the movie and its impact on her life. She expressed her gratitude for the movie and acknowledged its contribution to the popularity of wrestling in India.
Geeta said that the film accurately portrayed her father’s dedication to raising his daughters and his passion for the sport of wrestling.
In conclusion, the release of the movie ‘Dangal’ and Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Geeta Phogat’s father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, had a significant impact on the popularity of wrestling in India.
The film’s success and the inspiring story it depicted paved the way for a new generation of Indian women to pursue wrestling as a profession.
It also contributed significantly to the worldwide recognition of Geeta Phogat as a prominent Indian wrestler.
Legacy of Geeta Phogat-Indian Woman Wrestler
Geeta Phogat’s legacy as an Indian woman wrestler is immense. She has paved the way for many young girls in India to take up wrestling as a career and has inspired a nation with her accomplishments.
She has won numerous medals in domestic and international tournaments, including becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.
In this article, we will explore Geeta Phogat’s life and her journey to becoming one of the most successful female wrestlers in India. We will also discuss the impact she has had on the sport of wrestling in India and the world.
Emily Bensted’s Documentary About Her Journey to Success
Emily Bensted’s documentary about Geeta Phogat’s journey to success is a remarkable work that sheds light on the Indian wrestler’s life and struggles.
The documentary, which is titled ‘Geeta,’ was created by Australian filmmaker Emily Bensted, who is known for her work in telling inspiring and powerful stories.
The documentary had a significant impact on Geeta Phogat’s career and representation in India. In the film, Geeta opens up about her early life and the rigorous training she underwent under her father Mahavir Singh Phogat’s guidance.
The documentary highlights Geeta’s journey to becoming India’s first female wrestler to win a gold medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
The documentary covers key points in Geeta’s life, including her struggles to succeed in a male-dominated sport, her achievements in wrestling championships, and her journey to the gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.
The film includes interviews with Geeta’s family members, fellow wrestlers, and footage of her wrestling matches.
Geeta’s father Mahavir Singh Phogat is also featured in the documentary, sharing his belief in his daughters and his unrelenting determination to make them successful wrestlers, breaking societal stereotypes along the way.
The film conveys the message that gender should not be a barrier to success and that commitment and hard work can lead to achieving great things.
Overall, Emily Bensted’s documentary about Geeta Phogat’s journey to success is a powerful work that inspires individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
It sheds light on a remarkable woman who epitomizes the strides Indian women are making in breaking through societal expectations and barriers.
Pawan Kumar as a Fellow Wrestler and Mentor for Geeta Phogat
Geeta Phogat’s wrestling journey has been nothing short of inspiring. However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the contributions of her mentor and fellow wrestler, Pawan Kumar. Kumar has played a vital role in Geeta’s training and helped her achieve her goals.
Pawan Kumar is an accomplished wrestler himself, having won a silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
He has been an instrumental figure in Geeta’s life, providing her with guidance and support throughout her career.
In fact, Kumar was one of the first people to recognize Geeta’s talent when she was just beginning her wrestling journey.
Kumar’s experience and expertise in wrestling have been invaluable to Geeta. He has shared his techniques and tips with her on various occasions and helped her improve her skills on the mat.
Kumar has a keen eye for detail, and he used his observational skills to identify the areas that Geeta needed to work on. He helped her refine her moves, develop her strategy, and build her confidence.
Pawan and Geeta have participated in several crucial matches together. One such match was the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where Geeta won the gold medal.
Notably, it was Kumar who coached her during this competition. Additionally, the duo participated in the Dave Schultz Memorial Tournament in the USA, where Geeta won a bronze medal.
Kumar has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration for Geeta, and she attributes much of her success to his mentorship.
In conclusion, Pawan Kumar has been a crucial figure in Geeta Phogat’s wrestling journey. As a fellow wrestler and mentor, he provided her with the guidance and support she needed to achieve her goals.
With his tips and techniques, Geeta honed her skills and became a force to be reckoned with on the mat. Their successful partnership is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of having a support system in pursuing one’s goals.
Geeta Phogat’s Sisters in Wrestling
Geeta Phogat’s journey in wrestling wouldn’t have been possible without the support and guidance of her father and coach, Mahavir Singh Phogat.
However, Geeta isn’t the only one in her family who has made waves in the wrestling world. Her sisters Babita, Ritu, and Sangeeta, along with cousin Vinesh, have all contributed to the legacy of women’s wrestling in India.
Babita and Geeta are the most well-known sisters in the Phogat family, mainly due to the success of the movie “Dangal,” which was loosely based on their lives.
Babita is Geeta’s younger sister, and they both grew up training and competing together under their father’s tutelage. Babita has won several medals in international tournaments, including gold medals in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
She also won a silver medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal in the 2012 World Wrestling Championships.
Ritu Phogat is another one of Geeta’s younger sisters who has made a name for herself in wrestling. Ritu is a freestyle wrestler who competes in the 48kg weight category. She started wrestling when she was just eight years old and was trained by her father as well.
Ritu has won several medals in international tournaments, including a silver medal in the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship and a gold medal in the 2017 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship. She has also won several national championships in India.
Sangeeta Phogat is the youngest of the Phogat sisters and has also had success in wrestling. Sangeeta competes in the 59kg weight category and has won several national championships in India. She has also competed in international tournaments, including the 2017 Asian Wrestling Championships.
Finally, Vinesh Phogat is Geeta’s cousin and another accomplished wrestler in the family. Vinesh competes in the 53kg weight category and has won several medals in international tournaments.
Some of her notable achievements include a gold medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a silver medal in the 2018 Asian Games.
In summary, Geeta Phogat’s sisters Babita, Ritu, Sangeeta, and cousin Vinesh have all made significant contributions to the sport of wrestling in India. Under their father’s guidance, they have won several medals in international tournaments and brought attention to women’s wrestling in the country.
Conclusion
Geeta Phogat has left an indelible mark on the world of wrestling and has become an inspiration to aspiring female wrestlers in India. Her legacy includes several achievements, including being the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. She has also won a bronze medal at the 2012 World Wrestling Championships and a silver medal at the 2015 Asian Wrestling Championships.
FAQs
What makes Geeta Phogat famous?
Geeta Phogat is famous for becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. She has also won several other medals in international competitions, including a bronze at the World Wrestling Championship and a silver at the Asian Wrestling Championship. Her story was depicted in the Bollywood movie "Dangal," which helped popularize women's wrestling in India.
Has Geeta Phogat faced any criticisms or controversies in her career?
Yes, Geeta Phogat has faced some criticisms and controversies during her career. One of the major controversies was her disqualification from the Rio Olympics in 2016. Geeta was disqualified for not making the weight in her qualification round against Canadian wrestler Emily Bensted.
What was the reason for the disqualification at the Rio Olympics?
Geeta Phogat was disqualified at the Rio Olympics because she failed to make the weight limit. The Wrestling Federation of India had set a deadline for the wrestlers to make their respective weight classes, and Geeta failed to meet it.
Was Geeta Phogat ever banned from wrestling?
No, Geeta Phogat has not been banned from wrestling. However, she has faced disciplinary actions for her conduct. In 2017, Geeta Phogat, along with fellow wrestler Babita Phogat and Pawan Kumar, was suspended for indiscipline by the Wrestling Federation of India.
What are some noteworthy achievements of Geeta Phogat?
Geeta Phogat's noteworthy achievements include winning the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, a silver medal at the Asian Wrestling Championship, and a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championship. She has also won several other medals in international tournaments and is recognized as one of India's most accomplished female wrestlers.
