Those were the times when wrestling mats were spread under tin roofs and aspirations were constructed through relentless effort. At times, when wrestling was a male-dominated sport, both Geeta and Babita Phogat were trained under Mahavir Singh Phogat. His decision resulted in receiving medals and launching a movement for women’s empowerment. The Phogat family holds a name in women’s wrestling in India.
Now, attention is shifting. It’s not on the older daughters who gained fame or the cousins who followed them; it’s on the third daughter: Ritu Phogat.
Once seen as “the quieter one,” Ritu has created her own story. She started receiving more attention than anyone anticipated. But the question remains: can she truly outshine her famous sisters?
Comparison With Her Sister’s Legacy
Earlier, Geeta and Babita were completely dedicated to traditional wrestling, won gold and silver at the Commonwealth Games, and represented India at the Olympics; Ritu made a different choice. After a successful wrestling career, which included a gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in 2016, in 2019, she entered the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
For many in India, this shift felt risky. Wrestling had a clear structure, legacy, and audience. MMA did not. But Ritu viewed it differently. According to a report, she stated, “I wanted to challenge myself. I didn’t want to stay in a comfort zone.” Her decision raised doubts even within the wrestling community, but it also showed a hunger that some believe her sisters did not express so openly.
Her Transition From Wrestling To Mixed Martial Arts
Ritu’s interest took a turn as she opted for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Its intense pace, varied combat styles, and global competition tested Ritu in ways wrestling did not. Ritu, with all her strength and resilience, defeated experienced fighters and earned a reputation at ONE Championship, one of Asia’s major MMA promotions.
Her losses—though unavoidable in the cage—were characterised by resilience. Unlike traditional wrestling, where one mistake can end a match, MMA requires adaptability. In those demanding cages, Ritu developed physical strength. Many believe this could make her the strongest Phogat yet.
“She’s not just wrestling now. She’s striking, grappling, and defending. She’s improving faster than anyone expected,” said an MMA coach who knows her training.
Ritu Phogat’s Achievement
Ritu, as a wrestler, in the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship, successfully managed to win gold. But suddenly in 2019, she entered Asia’s largest MMA organizations. Eventually, questions were raised regarding a sudden shift in interest, but Ritu was determined to carve her own identity.
To date, Ritu has made historic victories against foreign competitors such as Wang Ting and Nou Srey Pov. People all over the globe appreciated her even though she was a finalist at the ONE Women’s Atomweight Grand Prix in 2021. Her powerpack performance demonstrated her worth on the international stage.
The Weight Of A Surname
Within a short span, both Geeta and Babita became icons of change in rural India, culminating in their story being adapted into the blockbuster film Dangal.
On the other side of the frame, Ritu has no movie to her name to date. She’s fighting to redefine what it means to be a Phogat champion.
The Next Chapter
Ritu has set a benchmark for excellence, and she is expected to make a powerful return to the wrestling ring with an eye on the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Whatever her choice is, her goals are clear. She wants to step out of her sisters’ shadows. She aims to reach a new peak.
