Would you believe it, the wrestling scene, a territory predominantly led by men, is now seeing a shift. Slowly but surely, we’re seeing an influx of determined women who are smashing boundaries and changing the definition of what it means to be a woman in wrestling. Speaking of India, a land rich with various cultures and age-old traditions, this evolution in wrestling is getting impossible to ignore.
Known for its deep-rooted connection to wrestling, often termed ‘Kushti,’ India is experiencing a wave of women wrestlers stepping into the ring, reshaping the traditional face of Indian wrestling. That’s the reason we’re going to dive headfirst into the thrilling world of Indian women’s wrestling, highlighting the top 10 female wrestlers who have made their mark. So let’s get down to it then. Shall we?
List of Top Female Wrestlers in India of All Time
1. Sakshi Malik
Watching a wrestling match can be an exciting experience, especially when it involves someone as talented as Sakshi Malik, a true icon in the world of Indian wrestling. Remember that 2016 Rio Olympics? That’s where she made us all proud by securing India’s first Olympic wrestling medal, a bronze one. The moment was nothing less than magical. Sakshi’s wrestling journey started when she was just 12, and look where she’s now, among the top-notch wrestlers, sharing her weight category with the legendary Geeta Phogat. She took the wrestling world by storm when she showcased her resilience during Geeta’s injury and silenced her critics at the Olympics. Now, she’s got her eyes set on the big prize, the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
2. Geeta Phogat
Next up is Geeta Phogat, another legend in the world of Indian wrestling. The 2010 Commonwealth Games were a turning point for her, where she won India’s first gold medal in wrestling. Born and brought up in Haryana, Geeta got her wrestling skills from her father, a former wrestler, and a great coach. She took a brave step and became the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the Olympics, displaying an extraordinary spirit. Her story has inspired a generation of young women and has played a pivotal role in empowering women in the field of wrestling.
3. Babita Phogat
When it comes to wrestling in India, the name Babita Phogat comes up almost instantly. Belonging to a family of wrestlers, she has shown that hard work and determination can get you anywhere. From winning medals at the Commonwealth Games to securing a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships, Babita’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Her performance at the Glasgow Olympics made a lasting impact, making her one of the best female wrestlers to ever in India. Babita always gives credit for her success to her father and the healthy competition she had with her sisters, who are also known female wrestlers in the country.
4. Vinesh Phogat
Another Phogat on our list is Vinesh Phogat, a powerhouse of talent in the wrestling world. Despite suffering a major setback due to a knee injury, Vinesh bounced back and showcased her true spirit. She has quite a collection of medals from the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, which marks a historic achievement. But her journey doesn’t end there. Vinesh and her cousins, Geeta and Babita, have established a solid legacy in the world of wrestling. And because of them, their family name will be remembered for generations, that’s for sure.
5. Anshu Malik
The world of Indian wrestling is witnessing the rise of a new star, Anshu Malik. This young sensation has made an indelible mark on the sport at a very young age. Anshu took everyone by surprise when she clinched a silver medal at the 2021 World Wrestling Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat. She continued her winning streak in 2020 and 2022, earning several medals at various prestigious championships. Coming from a family of wrestlers, she has definitely made her parents and family as a whole proud with her remarkable achievements.
6. Alka Tomar
Next is Alka Tomar, an absolute rockstar of Indian wrestling, hailing from the colorful village of Sisauli, Uttar Pradesh. Known for her unbeatable spirit, Alka was the first Indian woman wrestler to grab a medal at the world championships. This queen of the wrestling ring boasts several victories, including a shiny bronze from the 2006 Doha Asian Games and a prestigious gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Following her 2011 retirement, Alka didn’t sit back, instead, she now guides the next generation of wrestlers with her unrivaled skills and wisdom. After all, it was her dream to make more and more girls come forward and chase their dreams as she did on her own. Truly, she’s an idol for many in India.
7. Ritu Phogat
Born into a family famous for their wrestling talent, Ritu’s skills extend far beyond the wrestling mat. Having initially made her mark as a wrestler, she fearlessly stepped into the world of mixed martial arts, where she competes in the esteemed ONE Championship. She earned an impressive gold at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship and continues to push boundaries in the Atomweight division. Ritu’s wrestling journey began at the tender age of eight under her father’s watchful eye, and her family’s legacy of wrestling gold medals resonates powerfully, especially with her historic silver win at the 2017 World U23 Wrestling Championships.
8. Nisha Dahiya
Let’s talk about Nisha Dahiya now, another rising superstar in Indian women’s wrestling. Nisha grabbed the world’s attention and a bronze medal at the U23 World Championships in 2021. Recognized as a future luminary of the sport, Nisha has won the admiration of esteemed wrestlers and proved her mettle in prestigious tournaments like the 2021 U23 World Wrestling Championships and the 2022 World Wrestling Championships. Most recently, she snagged a shiny silver at the 2023 Asian Championship, further solidifying her place in the wrestling world.
9. Divya Kakran
Divya Kakran sure is a powerhouse from Uttar Pradesh. Divya has left a significant mark in the 68 kg weight category, owning the wrestling stage with her talent and determination. From just eight years old, Divya started her wrestling journey and overcame numerous challenges to become a renowned wrestler. Notably, she defeated the famous Geeta Phogat in the thrilling Bharat Kesari event, and that was when she got the highest recognition in the wrestling world. With an impressive collection of 60 medals, including a mind-boggling 17 golds in the highly competitive Delhi State Championship, Divya Kakran’s reign in the wrestling ring remains unmatched.
10. Geetika Jakhar
Let’s not forget Geetika Jakhar, another famous name in the wrestling world on the international level. Geetika’s wrestling journey began as a sharp teenager, deeply inspired by her family’s sporting legacy. With numerous accolades to her name, including the prestigious Arjuna Award and Bhim Award, Geetika’s notable achievements include standing out as a champion at the 2005 Commonwealth Games. Aside from her inspiring wrestling career, Geetika’s fierceness also extends to her role as the Deputy Superintendent of Police. Influenced by her grandfather, an esteemed wrestler himself, she has notched up an incredible nine consecutive victories and the coveted Bharat Kesari title, cementing her place in the history of Indian wrestling.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, every one of the top ten female wrestlers in India has created her own unique victory narrative, contributing to a rich legacy that continues to motivate upcoming athletes across India and the globe. As we celebrate their incredible achievements, we can’t help but be excited about what the future holds. We anticipate the emergence of even more Indian female wrestlers on the international scene, forever transforming the world of wrestling in India and beyond. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of what can be accomplished when opportunity meets chance.
Passionate sports content writer, Rocky delves into the world of athletics with a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, he transforms moments on the field into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
