Phogat sisters to open academy in Bengaluru
In an attempt to empower more women in the country, the Phogat sisters are planning to establish a wrestling academy in Nandi Hills in Bengaluru. Chikkaballapur MLA K Sudhakar promised that they will get two acres of land in Nandi Hills where they will open a wrestling academy. Welcoming the move, he said "We want to strengthen women mentally and physically."
Geeta Phogat was born on 15 December 1988 to former wrestler Mahavir Singh. Her father started coaching Geeta in wrestling from an early age but faced protests from the villagers for doing so. Geeta started winning local wrestling competitions and was selected to represent India at the 2009 Commonwealth Wrestling Competition in Jalandhar where she won a gold medal.
In the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, Geeta Phogat scripted history by winning a gold medal in the 55kg category. She became the first Indian wrestler to do so. She won gold in the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in 2011 at Melbourne. Geeta qualified for the 2012 London Olympics, and again became the first Indian female wrestler to achieve the feat.
Geeta Phogat received Arjuna Award from the President of India in the year 2012. She had previously won bronze medals in the World Wrestling Championships and Asian Wrestling Championships in 2012.
India's first woman wrestler to win a gold at the Commonwealth Games Geeta Phogat, was appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Haryana Police. The decision was taken by the Haryana cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. She was appointed as Inspector in the state police under sports quota after having qualified for the 2012 London Olympics.
Geeta Phogat was made to wait six years for her promotion as DSP. She had to approach court for her promotion. Speaking to media, she said, "We got used to waiting. Everyone is happy but we are not as happy as we should have been."
Dangal, a biopic based on the life of wrestler Geeta Phogat has released today across India. The movie shows how Mahavir Phogat trained his daughters Geeta and Babita in wrestling, who then went on to become world class champions. Aamir Khan portrays the character of Mahavir, while Geeta's character is played by Fatima Sana Shaikh.
