PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Babita Kumari Phogat
Profession(s): Freestyle Wrestler, Politician
Date of Birth: 20 November 1989 (Monday)
Age (as of 2024): 35 Years
Birthplace: Bhiwani, Haryana, India
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Balali, Haryana, India
Religion: Hinduism
Caste: Hindu Jat
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian
Marriage Date: 1 December 2019
Marriage Place: Balali, Haryana
Age: 35 Years
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EDUCATION
College/University: MDU, Rohtak, Haryana
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height: in centimeters- 162 cm in meters- 1.62 m in feet inches- 5’ 3½”
Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 55 kg in pounds – 121 lbs
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Affairs/Boyfriends: Vivek Suhag (wrestler)
Husband/Spouse: Vivek Suhag
Parents: Father – Mahavir Singh Phogat (wrestler) Mother – Shobha Kaur
Siblings: Brother – Dushyant Phogat Sister(s) – Geeta Phogat (wrestler), Sangita Phogat (wrestler), Ritu Phogat (wrestler)
Husband: Vivek Suhag
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
International Debut: 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games
Awards: 2015: Arjuna Award
OTHER INFORMATION
Coach/Mentor: Mahavir Singh Phogat (her father)
Event: 55 kg
Medals: • Gold at the 2009 Jalandhar Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in 51 kg category. • Silver at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games in women’s freestyle wrestling in 51 kg category. • Gold at the 2011 Melbourne Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in 48 kg category. • Bronze at the 2012 Strathcona County World Wrestling Championships in 51 kg category. • Bronze at the 2013 Delhi Asian Wrestling Championship in 55 kg category. • Gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 55 kg category. • Gold at the 2018 Goldcoast Commonwealth Games in 55 kg category.
Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Political Journey: • Joined the BJP on 12 August 2019 • Contested the 2019 Haryana Assembly Elections from the Dadri Constituency but lost
Hobbies: Listening to Music, Travelling, Cooking
Food: Churma
Actor(s): Aamir Khan , Dharmendra , Shah Rukh Khan
Cricketer: Virat Kohli
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Babita Kumari stands as one of the most accomplished female wrestlers in the history of Indian sports, establishing a remarkable legacy in the 53-55 kg category. Her journey began in a household that was deeply rooted in wrestling, being the daughter of the esteemed Mahavir Singh Phogat, a renowned amateur wrestler and senior Olympics coach. This familial connection not only provided her with invaluable mentorship but also set the stage for her to challenge societal norms in Haryana, a region infamous for its regressive attitudes toward women, including female feticide and honor killings. Alongside her sister Geeta Phogat and cousin Vinesh Phogat, Babita has played a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions about girls in their community, demonstrating that they can not only participate in sports but excel in them.
The early years of Babita’s life were marked by her father’s unconventional decision to train her and Geeta in wrestling, defying the initial wish for a son to carry on the family legacy. He insisted on their training, utilizing local Akharas where they often sparred with boys, an experience that prepared them for the challenges ahead in a sport where female participation is still considered taboo. To maintain their focus on wrestling, their father imposed strict rules, including a ban on makeup and the requirement for short hair—disciplining them with an intensity that, as they later shared in interviews, sometimes led to clever tricks to evade his watchful eye. This rigorous upbringing prepared Babita for a competitive career that would soon place her in the national spotlight.
Babita first gained widespread recognition after clinching a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, a significant milestone that propelled her into the limelight. Her prowess continued to shine as she secured a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, reinforcing her status as a top contender on the international stage. In 2012, she made history by becoming only the second Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the World Championships, alongside her sister Geeta, both earning bronze medals for their remarkable performances. Her journey took a challenging turn when she qualified for the Rio Olympics in 2016, becoming the fourth female wrestler from India to achieve this feat, though her hopes for a medal were dashed in the first round.
Despite setbacks, such as her Rio experience, Babita rebounded with a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, marking her resilience and determination. Her inspiring story caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to the blockbuster film “Dangal,” released in December 2016, which chronicles her father’s life and her path to success. The film’s portrayal of the Phogat sisters transformed them into household names across India. However, in interviews, Babita and Geeta revealed that their father’s training was even stricter than depicted, showcasing the relentless dedication that forged their success. Beyond wrestling, Babita has expressed a deep affection for animals and a commitment to fitness, regularly visiting the gym to maintain her physical prowess.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Babita has made strides in her professional career, with the Haryana Government offering her the position of Sub Inspector in the Haryana Police following her stellar performance at the Commonwealth Games. Her connection to the community remains strong; upon achieving fame, she encouraged her mother to shed cultural veils that restricted female expression, though many women in their village still struggle to do so. Babita’s involvement in politics began in 2019 when she, along with her father, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, further illustrating her commitment to bringing about change in her community. Despite facing challenges—such as a petition for promotion in the police force being dismissed—Babita’s journey continues to resonate as an inspiring tale of perseverance and empowerment in the face of adversity.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.