Ritu Phogat leaves wrestling for MMA, joins Singapore-based Evolve Fight Team

Ritu Phogat was a popular wrestler in the nation following the Dangal fame and had taken a shocking decision leaving her career in wrestling to a halt. The third of the four Phogat sisters joined the MMA citing that it was her dream. Mahavir Phogat also supported his daughter’s decision saying that it was not an overnight one but her dream since growing up. 

"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. 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. Everyone in our family is a wrestler. People have expectations since I'm Geeta and Babita's sister. I want to fulfill their expectations and hopes, not on the mat but inside a cage," Ritu told the ToI.

The Haryana-based wrestler had won silver in the 48 kg category at the 2017 World U-23 Wrestling Championships, Poland and mentioned that wrestling will remain her first love but she is different from the rest of her sisters. The WFI were disappointed at the 2016 Commonwealth Games gold medallist for her uninformed decision.

"It is quite shocking, but if she has decided to join MMA then it will be curtains for her amateur career. 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. She should have told us. She had called up last week to inform she is injured. She instead wanted her younger sister Sangita to represent the country in her category. We have invested so much in Ritu. It is obviously a big loss for us," WFI assistant secretary, Vinod Tomar exclaimed.