One of India’s top female wrestlers has signed with ONE Championship. Ritu Phogat and her sisters were so successful that their exploits in the wrestling world were the subject of a blockbuster Bollywood movie.
Dangal took US$330 million at the box office worldwide making it one of the most successful Indian movies of all time. Phogat is a multiple time wrestling champion who will be moving to Singapore to train at Evolve MMA in preparation for her pro debut.
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong is excited to add the 24 year old to his roster.
“At ONE Championship, we are constantly on the lookout for the world’s greatest martial arts talents, especially in Asia,” he said. “Women’s wrestling sensation Ritu Phogat embodies the true values of martial arts and is a great fit for our organization. I would like to personally welcome Ritu to the ONE Championship family.”
In 2016, Phogat bagged a gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship held in Singapore. The following year she took home India’s first silver medal at the prestigious World U23 Wrestling Championships held in Poland.
Phogat says she is looking to expand her horizons by taking up a new sport.
“Wrestling will always be my first love, but I feel that it is time to expand my horizons,” she said. “I am excited to compete against the best mixed martial artists in the world and to bring glory and pride to my home country. I also look to prove that Indian martial arts is truly world-class.”
Indian fighters have enjoyed success with ONE Championship in 2019. Himanshu Kaushik and Puja Tomar are both coming off decision wins and Phogat will be looking to establish herself in the promotion’s atomweight division.