1. Early Life & Family Background
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Real Name: Vinesh Phogat
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Date of Birth: August 25, 1994
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Birth Place: Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, India
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Residence: Bhiwani, Haryana, India
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Nationality: Indian
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Religion:Hinduism
Vinesh hails from the renowned Phogat family, known for producing several accomplished wrestlers. Her father, Rajpal Phogat, was the brother of Dronacharya Awardee Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trained Vinesh and her cousins, including Geeta, Babita, Ritu, and Sangeeta Phogat. Tragically, Vinesh lost her father at the age of eight, an event that deeply impacted her life and fueled her determination to succeed in wrestling.
2. Career Beginnings & Rise to Stardom
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Profession: Former Freestyle Wrestler; Politician
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International Debut: 2013 Asian Wrestling Championships
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Weight Categories: 48 kg, 50 kg, 53 kg
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Coaches: Mahavir Singh Phogat, Woller Akos
Vinesh began her wrestling journey under the guidance of her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat. She quickly made a name for herself, winning gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, 2018, and 2022. In 2018, she became the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
3. Challenges & Setbacks
Throughout her career, Vinesh faced numerous challenges. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she suffered a knee injury that ended her campaign prematurely. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, she was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams, leading to her retirement from wrestling. Despite these setbacks, she remained resilient and continued to inspire many with her determination.
4. Transition to Politics & Advocacy
After retiring from wrestling, Vinesh transitioned into politics. In October 2024, she was elected as a Member of the Haryana Legislative Assembly from the Julana constituency, representing the Indian National Congress. She has been an active advocate against sexual harassment in sports, leading protests against the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India.
5. Personal Life
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Partner: Somvir Rathee (married on December 13, 2018)
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Father: Rajpal Phogat
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Mother: Premlata Phogat
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Horoscope: Virgo
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Age: 30 years (as of 2025)
Vinesh married fellow wrestler Somvir Rathee in 2018. Both have been associated with Indian Railways, contributing to sports and representing the organization in various competitions.
6. Physical Attributes
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Height: Approximately 160 cm (5’3″)
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Weight: Approximately 56 kg (123 lbs)
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Body Type: Athletic
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Eye Color: Black
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Hair Color: Black
Note: Specific details like body measurements, bra size, and hip size are personal and not publicly disclosed.
Vinesh Phogat’s journey from a small village in Haryana to international wrestling arenas and then to the political stage is a testament to her resilience, determination, and commitment to making a difference. Her story continues to inspire many across the globe.