Mahavir Singh Phogat Biography: Renowned Indian wrestler and coach Mahavir Singh Phogat became well-known throughout the world for his inspirational tale and skill as a coach. When he taught his daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari Phogat how to wrestle, he became well-known as a coach. Mahavir persisted in believing in his daughters’ abilities and pushed them to pursue wrestling despite social pressures and criticism. In this article, we shall go into the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat.
The Dangal King, Mahavir Singh Phogat Biography
Early Life
Mahavir Phogat’s wrestling career began when he was able to persuade his parents to allow him to join the prestigious Delhi akhada, which is administered by Master Chandgi Ram. For three years, the akhada served as his second home while Mahavir developed the wrestling technique and mentality that would define his future under the careful eye of Chandgi Ram.
Fearlessly introducing his daughters, Sonika and Deepika Kaliraman, to the male-dominated sport of wrestling in the mid-1990s was a revolutionary step at the time, as Chandgi Ram, an Indian pioneer for women’s wrestling, did. Sonika went on to win the coveted Bharat Kesari title, making history as the first female wrestler from India.
Even though Mahavir was just as skilled as some of his akhada colleagues, he was unable to match their success as wrestlers representing India.
Mahavir stated, “My vision was limited to obtaining a government job, so I couldn’t go beyond a certain level. We were all on the same training level. I, too, could have been an international wrestler if I had that goal.”
Mahavir established himself in the dangal circuit and was hired by the Haryana State Electricity Board (HSEB) in 1982. He won the Haryana state championship while representing HSEB, and he took part in the 1982 nationals in Maharashtra. However, following a devastating defeat in the 60kg final, he decided to give up professional wrestling in 1983 due to his issues with the scoring structure utilized in the national championships.
Following a brief assignment with the Border Security Force (BSF), Mahavir secured his financial future in Delhi by launching a prosperous real estate firm. He married Daya Kaur in 1985, and the two of them welcomed Geeta, Babita, Ritu, Sangita, and Dushyant into the world.
Mahavir made a beneficial contribution to his society by supporting his younger brother Sajjan and his wife in their successful campaigns for the local sarpanch post while dabbling in politics. In the end, his experiences as a father and coach motivated a country, and his influence can still be felt in the Indian wrestling community.
Comeback as a Coach
A seasoned Indian wrestler by the name of Mahavir Singh Phogat formerly resided in the village of Balali, Haryana. He wanted to watch his kids bring home gold medals for India. And all he wanted was a son to fulfill his goal.
He held the conventional view that women were not allowed in the wrestling ring. And he became the father of four daughters in expectation of a male. However, the rest is history, as he discovered one day that his daughters had defeated a few males who were bullies. The four daughters are among the world’s top wrestlers, having won numerous medals for India in both national and international competitions. His daughters write history, and one man, Mahavir Singh Phogat, well known as the Dangal King among Indian women wrestlers, designs it.
Passion for the sport: Mahavir Singh Phogat
Maheta and Babita, Mahavir’s two older children, needed training, therefore he quit his work at the State Electricity Board. He imparted all of his tactics to them. He then transported them to other villages for Dangals. The guys were hesitant to wrestle with them because they were afraid of losing to a girl. Furthermore, none of the lads from the extended family could endure the intense training schedule. For their poor performance, the girls received the same punishment as the boys. As a result, the girls’ sisterhood thrived. Boys from the neighborhood were afraid of losing to them. These girls used to work out in the morning from 4 to 7 and again in the evening after returning from college or school.
There are other Indian sister wrestlers besides the well-known Phogat sisters. That would be attributed to Deepika and Sonika, the daughters of renowned wrestler and Mahavir’s mentor Chandgi Ram. Karnam Malleshwari’s Olympic bronze medal achievement and Chandgi Ram’s influence both served as inspiration for training daughters in wrestling.
Mahavir was the target of taunts and derogatory remarks from the entire town, but he never allowed his champion daughters to witness this abuse. He was once advised by Chandgi Ram, “You will see that what you are doing for your girls will bring you great happiness one day. Thus, don’t give up, keep going, meet your challenges head-on like you would an opponent, and tune out the criticism.”
Proud moments of Mahavir Singh Phogat
Geeta Phogat, the eldest daughter of Mahavir, is a 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist for women’s wrestling, the first-ever for India. She was also the first female Olympic qualifier in history.
Babita Kumari, the second daughter of Guru Mahavir, won a silver and a gold medal at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, respectively, carrying on her sister’s success and bringing honors to the family. 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth gold was also won by his older niece Vinesh Phogat in the 48 kg weight class.
It is rather remarkable that a single Haryana rural family can produce six wrestling champions, all of whom are female, given the skewed sex ratio and low literacy rate. Mahavir is a wrestler who has four daughters and two nieces. There is a bright future for Indian women’s wrestling because three of them have won gold medals at international competitions, while the other three are defending their respective age categories.
In 2016, an Amir Khan-starring biopic about Mahavir Singh Phogat’s life was released. The team has been taught wrestling sequences by Indian women’s wrestling team coach Kripa Shankar Bishnoi. Though many other renowned wrestlers have inspired us, this is the Indian wrestling family.
Mahavir Singh Phogat Family
Mahavir Singh Phogat’s love, commitment, and enthusiasm for wrestling are demonstrated by his family. Mahavir was reared in a family with a long history of wrestling, and his experiences as a wrestler and coach have had a lasting impact on the sport and the people he cares about. Daya Kaur, his wife, and he are parents to four girls.
His daughters, Ritu Phogat, Sangita Phogat, Babita Kumari, and Geeta Phogat, have all taken up wrestling and followed in their father’s footsteps. They have become role models for aspiring female athletes in India after achieving exceptional success in both national and international arenas under Mahavir’s tutelage.
Mahavir showed his loving care for his nieces Vinesh and Priyanka Phogat, whom he affectionately refers to as his own “daughters,” in addition to his own family. He had a significant influence on how their wrestling careers developed, which strengthened the close relationship among the Phogat family members.
FAQs
Who is Mahavir Singh Phogat?
Indian coach Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler, is well-known for coaching his nieces and daughters in the sport.
How did Mahavir Phogat impact Indian women’s wrestling?
Mahavir’s coaching and guidance revolutionized women’s wrestling in India, inspiring many female athletes to pursue the sport.
How did Mahavir Phogat’s family contribute to his legacy?
His nieces and daughters, Vinesh Phogat among them, continued his wrestling tradition and succeeded in many spheres.
What role did Mahavir Phogat play in shaping other wrestlers’ careers?
In addition to his family, he had a beneficial influence on the Indian wrestling scene by mentoring several other wrestlers.
