Ritu Phogat Shifts From Wrestling To Mixed Martial Arts

Ritu Phogat Shifts From Wrestling To Mixed Martial Arts

Ritu Phogat has left wrestling to join Mixed Martial Arts. Recently, she decided to become a part of Singapore-based Evolve Fight team, a move that many claim could put a full stop to her wrestling career. Ritu Phogat, who belongs to the family of famous sisters - who were an inspiration behind the blockbuster movie Dangal - wishes to become India's first MMA world champion.

"I am really excited to begin my new journey. The reason I picked MMA is because I want to be the first Indian to become MMA world champion," said Ritu after she joined Singapore-based Evolve fight team. 24-year old Gita said that she has been following MMA for a while now. She won gold in the 2016 World Championship. "I have been following MMA for a while and I was very impressed by the sport. I have always wondered why there are no Indians in this sport," she added.

However, the decision also comes with its own drawback and sad news for all those who were a fan of Gita's wrestling. The move means she won't be able to compete at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. However, she is pretty excited about the decision and said that wrestling will always be her first love. "Of course, I am going to miss it, but I am different from my sisters. I just can't wait to get started," she said.

She is aware of the fact that being Geeta and Babita's sister, people have high expectations and hopes from her. She wants to fulfil those expectations but not on the mat, but rather in a cage.

Vinod Tomar, Wrestling Federation of India President said that Gita's decision has shocked him too as this means that her wrestling career has come to an end. "Trust me, I can't believe this, Ritu is one of the most promising wrestlers in India. I hope she knows the consequences as she won't be able to represent India," he said.

Mahavir Phogat, Ritu's father, said that her daughter's decision hasn't happened overnight and she has been a fan of MMA since her growing years. The whole family is thrilled about the decision and is hoping that MMA would bring as much success to her as wrestling has for her sisters.

By: Neha Maheshwari

Content: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/ritu-phogat-leaves-wrestling-for-mixed-martial-arts-5601414/