Mahavir Singh Phogat is a former wrestler and a coach who has made India proud. His life and journey have inspired many, leading to the creation of the acclaimed biographical film "Dangal." This article delves into the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, his family, his coaching methods, and his impact on Indian wrestling.
Aamir Khan as Mahavir Singh Phogat in "Dangal". Source: Wikipedia
Early Life and Family
Phogat was born in the Bhiwani district of Haryana and hails from Balali in the Charkhi Dadri district. He is married to Daya Shobha Kaur and has four daughters: Geeta, Babita, Ritu, and Sangita. He also cares for his nieces, Vinesh and Priyanka, whose father, his brother, was killed in a land dispute.
All six Phogats have been trained in wrestling by Mahavir. While Geeta, Babita, and Vinesh have achieved international recognition, Ritu has won a gold medal at the national championship, and Priyanka and Sangeeta have won medals in age-level international championships.
"Dangal": A Biographical Film
The 2016 Indian biographical film "Dangal" is based on Singh's life and the journey of his daughters towards success. Aamir Khan plays the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat, while Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra play the roles of his daughters Geeta and Babita, respectively.
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The film captures and highlights how ambition can turn into success with hard work. It showcases the hardships and the never-back-down attitude of Mahavir Singh Phogat.
Being from a state infamous for female foeticide, taking daughters to a level of international fame and recognition is what his life is all about.
Mahavir Singh Phogat | Biography | Real Life Story | Dangal | Aamir Khan
"Akhada": The Authorized Biography
Akhada is the authorized biography of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler and coach. Penned by Saurabh Duggal, a special correspondent with Hindustan Times, Chandigarh, the book traces Mahavir Phogat’s journey with his daughters and nieces from a small village in Haryana to winning medals for the country.
The book throws light on the lesser-known side of Mahavir Phogat - as a father. It showcases how he battled deep social stigma, an apathetic government, a disapproving family, and personal tragedy to train the girls in his sport.
Legacy and Impact
In 2000, after the Olympic Games closed in Sydney, Mahavir Singh Phogat watched, dejected, as the prize reserved by his state government for the winner of an Olympic gold medal went unclaimed. Determined to never see this instance repeated, Phogat decided to do the unthinkable.
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He spent two days digging a pit in his courtyard and asked his young daughters and nieces to join him there at the break of dawn one day. That unusual command changed their lives forever. Each of their wins in the ring and every ambition he had for them came at great personal cost.
Due to his efforts, the girls have all gone on to win medals and acclaim at the national and international levels, including at the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
Akhada tells the remarkable story of a man of tremendous fortitude, of a father who fought against all odds to give his daughters a future they could not have dreamed for themselves.
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