The name Sangeeta Phogat resonates deeply within the Indian wrestling community. As the youngest of the legendary Phogat sisters, her journey is a compelling tale of perseverance, skill, and stepping out of a formidable family shadow. While the Bollywood film “Dangal” immortalized her elder sisters, Sangeeta has forged her own path, carving out a remarkable career filled with triumphs and challenges. This post delves into the life, career, and latest news surrounding this formidable wrestler.
Early Life and Rise in Wrestling
Born on March 5, 1998, in the village of Balali, Haryana, Sangeeta Phogat was destined for the wrestling mat. She was trained from a young age by her father, the renowned wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat. Sangeeta’s sisters, Geeta, Babita, and Ritu, are all accomplished wrestlers, and their collective success has placed the Phogat family at the forefront of Indian wrestling.
Sangeeta’s professional career began in the Pro Wrestling League, where she represented the Delhi Sultans. A pivotal moment in her early career was her victory against the more experienced world champion, Vanessa Kaladzinskaya of UP Dangal. This win, with a score of 7-4, highlighted her raw talent and tactical prowess. Her early achievements include a silver medal at the National Championships and a gold at the 2021 National Championship.
- Birth Date: March 5, 1998
- Place of Birth: Balali, Haryana
- Family: Daughter of Mahavir Singh Phogat; sisters are Geeta, Babita, and Ritu Phogat.
- Wrestling Style: Freestyle
Career Highlights and Achievements
While following in the footsteps of her celebrated sisters, Sangeeta Phogat has built an impressive resume. Her dedication and hard work have earned her various medals and accolades on both national and international stages.
Some of her key achievements include:
- A bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
- A gold medal at the 2017 National Wrestling Championships.
- A silver medal at the 2013 Junior Asian Championships.
- Winning the gold medal at the 2021 National Championship in the 62 kg category.
Sangeeta’s career has also been marked by resilience. She has battled significant injuries, including a right knee surgery in 2018 and a subsequent operation on her left knee in 2019. Despite these setbacks, she has consistently made comebacks, demonstrating her strong mental fortitude.
In 2023, she won a bronze medal at the Hungary Ranking Series tournament. In a post on social media, she dedicated this victory to “all the fighting women of the world who are fighting against crimes against women,” a powerful statement that transcended sports.
Sangeeta Phogat’s Net Worth and Income
As a high-profile athlete, Sangeeta Phogat has multiple income streams. Her net worth is a combination of prize money, endorsements, and professional appearances. While a comprehensive, official figure is not publicly available, some sources provide a glimpse into her earnings. For instance, her Instagram earnings have been estimated to be in the range of $4.3K to $5.9K per month, contributing significantly to her income. These figures showcase the growing influence and financial viability of social media for professional athletes.
Her career has also expanded beyond wrestling into television appearances. She was recently a contestant on the reality show Rise and Fall, which would also contribute to her overall earnings. This diversification of her professional life speaks to her growing celebrity status.
Primary Income Sources:
- Wrestling prize money
- Brand endorsements and sponsorships
- Professional fees for TV appearances
- Social media monetization
Personal Life and Marriage
Beyond the wrestling mat, Sangeeta Phogat‘s personal life has also been in the spotlight. In a union of two wrestling powerhouses, she is married to fellow Olympian and world-class wrestler Bajrang Punia. The couple, who first met during the Pro Wrestling League, tied the knot on November 25, 2020.
Their wedding, which took place in their home village, was a close-knit affair. A notable detail from their wedding was the couple’s decision to take eight pheras instead of the traditional seven, with the eighth phera dedicated to the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative, showcasing their commitment to a social cause.
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Their relationship is a partnership both on and off the mat. As they told Hindustan Times in an interview, they can “help each other improve your game and also become training partners,” highlighting the symbiotic nature of their shared profession.
Latest News and Public Stance
In recent news, Sangeeta Phogat has been a prominent figure, not just for her athletic performance but for her public stance on critical issues. Along with her husband and other leading wrestlers, she has been a vocal participant in the protest against the former Wrestling Federation of India chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She has been a strong advocate for women in sports and their safety.
A recent and deeply personal development was her departure from the reality show Rise and Fall after the tragic news of her father-in-law’s passing on September 11, 2025. This news prompted her to leave the show and be with her family during a difficult time.
A Legacy in the Making
Sangeeta Phogat‘s journey is a powerful testament to hard work, resilience, and the courage to fight for what is right. She has established herself as a formidable athlete and an influential public figure. From her early days under her father’s tutelage to becoming a national champion and a voice for social change, her story continues to inspire. Her life reminds us that a true champion’s legacy is built on both their victories in the arena and their character outside of it.
