Ritu Phogat: Carving Her Own Path in MMA Beyond Wrestling Fame

Ritu Phogat, the younger sister of renowned wrestlers Geeta and Babita, is making waves in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). After a successful wrestling career, she transitioned to MMA, challenging herself in a new arena. With impressive victories and a determination to carve her own identity, Ritu aims to step out of her sisters' shadows and achieve greatness. As she prepares for a potential return to wrestling for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the question remains: can she surpass her sisters' legacy? Discover Ritu's inspiring journey and her aspirations in this captivating story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 25, 2025, 18:54 IST

A New Era in the Phogat Family

In the past, wrestling mats were laid out beneath tin roofs, where dreams were built through hard work. During a time when wrestling was predominantly male, Geeta and Babita Phogat trained under the guidance of Mahavir Singh Phogat. His influence led them to win medals and sparked a movement for women's empowerment in sports. The Phogat family has become synonymous with women's wrestling in India.

Ritu Phogat: The Rising Star

Currently, the spotlight is shifting from Geeta and Babita to their younger sister, Ritu Phogat. Once considered the quieter sibling, Ritu is now making headlines and gaining attention that surpasses expectations. The pressing question remains: can she eclipse the achievements of her renowned sisters?

Breaking Away from Tradition

While Geeta and Babita dedicated themselves to traditional wrestling, achieving gold and silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and representing India at the Olympics, Ritu chose a different path. After a successful wrestling career, including a gold medal at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship, she transitioned to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2019.

This shift was seen as a gamble by many in India, as wrestling had a well-established structure and audience, unlike MMA. However, Ritu embraced the challenge, stating, 'I wanted to challenge myself. I didn’t want to stay in a comfort zone.' Her decision raised eyebrows within the wrestling community but also showcased a determination that some believe her sisters lacked.

Embracing the MMA Challenge

Ritu's pivot to MMA introduced her to a fast-paced environment filled with diverse combat styles and global competition. She faced seasoned fighters and built a reputation in ONE Championship, a leading MMA promotion in Asia. Despite facing losses, Ritu's resilience shone through. Unlike traditional wrestling, where a single mistake can end a match, MMA demands adaptability, and Ritu has thrived in this challenging arena.

An MMA coach remarked, 'She’s not just wrestling now. She’s striking, grappling, and defending. She’s improving faster than anyone expected.'

Achievements and Recognition

Ritu's journey began with her gold medal win at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship. However, her entry into Asia's largest MMA organizations in 2019 raised questions about her sudden shift in focus. Nevertheless, Ritu is determined to establish her own identity.

To date, she has achieved historic victories against international competitors like Wang Ting and Nou Srey Pov, earning global recognition. Her impressive performance as a finalist at the ONE Women’s Atomweight Grand Prix in 2021 showcased her talent on the world stage.

The Legacy of the Phogat Name

Geeta and Babita quickly became symbols of change in rural India, with their story inspiring the blockbuster film Dangal. In contrast, Ritu has yet to have a film made about her journey. She is on a mission to redefine what it means to be a Phogat champion.

Looking Ahead

Ritu has set high standards for herself and is expected to make a strong comeback to wrestling, aiming for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Regardless of her path, her ambitions are clear: she seeks to step out of her sisters' shadows and reach new heights.