Ritu Phogat has become one of the most successful female athletes in India. Not just because of her talent – but through her unmistakable character. As the third daughter of former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, she began training under her father when she was eight years old.
‘I was born in a sports family so my love for sports and especially combat sports had developed since a very young age. This has been my way of life and I have known and loved nothing but combat sports,’ said Phogat.
‘Ever since I was a child, I have seen my fathers and sisters put their heart and soul into combat sports like wrestling. So it was natural for me to take up combat sports and carve out a niche for myself in this field,’ she added.
That niche delivered plenty of success for the young grappler. In 2016, she went on to win gold at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship. For the uninitiated, it’s important to note that wrestling is one of the very toughest sports in the world. It not only takes exceptional stamina, but unwavering discipline and resilience. Starting the sport young nurtured key characteristics in Phogat that helped drive her towards success.
‘Over the years of training, I have seen myself become stronger, better, fitter and faster,’ she says.
‘These improvements fill me with a sense of accomplishment and certify the fact that nothing is impossible, as long as you put in dedicated efforts towards achieving your goals. The positive impacts these sports have created in my life are great confidence boosters,’ continued Phogat.
In 2019, she turned to Mixed Martial Arts, where her exceptional work ethic and relentless style garnered a 9-2 record, and place in the final of the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix. This, all in the space of just a few years. Martial Arts have taught the Evolve MMA star a lot.
Here are the five key things she’s learned throughout her journey.
Discipline
‘To do better, a disciplined life is a must. Combat Sports require regular and rigorous training. You need to watch what you eat and take care of your mental health as well. A routine lifestyle helps me stay disciplined and focused,’ says Phogat.
Acceptance and resilience
‘Our life is nothing but a series of ups and downs. I have won and lost. However, the world of Combat Sports taught me to accept my downfalls, learn from them, and rise back stronger.’ Says the 27 year old.
Agility
‘It is critical to stay active. Often laziness pushes people off track and paves the way for procrastination. Combat Sports removes lethargy from my life.’ Says the ONE Championship star
Concentration
‘Your mind can be powerful and destructive. Combat Sports taught me to concentrate on my goals. It helps me keep distractions away, plan my days better and emphasise those things that are truly important,’ explains the atomweight fighter.
Hard work
‘The fifth lesson would be hard work and perseverance. The more you push yourself, the longer and better you can train. Combat Sports always encourage me to work beyond my comfort zone,’ says Ritu Phogat.
Remarkably, Ritu Phogat competed five times in 2021. She’s currently ranked #4 in ONE Championship’s atomweight division and is preparing the make her comeback as she continues to follow her dream of becoming India’s first female MMA world champion in a major organisation.
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