Famous Indian Wrestlers

Bajrang Punia is a highly accomplished Indian freestyle wrestler, excelling in the 65-kg weight category. He has achieved significant success in various competitions, including winning a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Punia is notably the only Indian wrestler to secure 4 medals at the World Wrestling Championships. His dedication and skill have earned him recognition, such as being a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award. Punia has also taken a principled stand by giving up the award in protest under certain circumstances.

Sushil Kumar is a former Indian wrestler and two-time Olympic medallist. He made history by winning India's second wrestling Olympic medal in 2008. In 2009, he received India's highest sports honor, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna. Kumar also played a significant role in the Queen's Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He carried the Indian flag at the 2012 London Olympics. Kumar achieved gold medals in the 74 kg division at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and is the first Indian to win a gold at the World Wrestling Championships.

Dara Singh Randhawa was a versatile Indian professional wrestler, actor, director, and politician. He began his acting career in 1952 and ventured into film production, direction, and writing in Hindi and Punjabi cinema. Known for his iconic portrayal of Hanuman in films like Bajrangbali (1976) and in the television series Ramayan, he gained immense popularity. Singh's contributions to the world of wrestling were recognized with his induction into the Legacy wing of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018.

Geeta Phogat is a pioneering freestyle wrestler from India who achieved significant milestones in the sport. She made history by winning India's first gold medal in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Geeta also became the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the Olympic Summer Games, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination on the international stage. Her achievements have inspired many aspiring athletes and contributed to the growth and recognition of wrestling in India.

Pawan Kumar is an accomplished Indian freestyle wrestler known for his success in international competitions. He has represented India at prestigious events like the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, showcasing his talent in the 86 kg weight class. Kumar's impressive performance at the 2014 Commonwealth Games earned him a bronze medal, highlighting his skills and determination in the sport. His dedication and hard work have solidified his reputation as a skilled and competitive wrestler on the global stage.

Sangram Singh is a multi-talented individual known for his achievements as an Indian wrestler, actor, and motivational speaker. With a successful career in wrestling, he has showcased his skills and passion for the sport on various platforms. Additionally, Sangram has ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility and talent on screen. As a motivational speaker, he shares his inspiring journey and insights with audiences, empowering and motivating others to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Vinesh Phogat is a highly accomplished Indian wrestler, known for her remarkable achievements in the sport. She has made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games. Phogat has also distinguished herself as the only Indian woman wrestler to secure multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships. In addition to her impressive athletic feats, she gained recognition as the first Indian athlete to be nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards in 2019.

Sangita Phogat is a promising wrestler from Haryana, India, known for her accomplishments in age-level international championships. She has showcased her talent by winning medals at these prestigious events, demonstrating her skill and dedication to the sport of wrestling. Sangita's achievements have contributed to the growing success and recognition of the Phogat sisters, who have been instrumental in changing perceptions towards women's wrestling in India. Her competitive spirit and perseverance continue to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in the world of sports.

Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav was an Indian freestyle wrestler who made history by winning a bronze medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. He was the first athlete from independent India to achieve this feat, breaking the trend of only team sport gold medals. Known for his agility and footwork, Jadhav caught the attention of English coach Rees Gardner, who trained him for the 1948 Olympics. Despite not receiving a Padma Award during his lifetime, he was posthumously honored with the Arjuna Award in 2000 for his significant contributions to wrestling.

Ramjit Raghav had a diverse professional background. He started his career as a professional wrestler before transitioning to farming later in life. Despite his various roles, he gained recognition for his strict vegetarian lifestyle, which he believed contributed to his longevity and good health. Raghav's unique professional journey also led him to be chosen as an ambassador for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 2012, showcasing his commitment to promoting vegetarianism and animal rights.

Satpal Singh, also known as Guru Satpal, is a renowned wrestling coach and former wrestler from India. He achieved significant success in his wrestling career, winning a gold medal in the 1982 Asian Games and a bronze medal in the 1974 Asian Games. However, he is now more widely recognized for his coaching abilities, having trained and mentored Olympic medalists Sushil Kumar and Ravi Kumar Dahiya. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2015.

Narsingh Pancham Yadav is an Indian wrestler known for his achievements in the sport. He won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 74 kg category at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Despite facing a ban and missing the 2016 Olympics due to a doping scandal, he has shown resilience and skill in his career. Yadav is a triple Maharashtra Kesari titleholder and was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2012 for his significant contributions to wrestling.

Priyanka Phogat is a talented Indian female wrestler known for her impressive achievements in the sport. She made a mark in the wrestling world by securing a notable silver medal at the 2016 Asian Wrestling Championships. With her dedication and hard work, she has become a respected figure in the wrestling community. Priyanka continues to showcase her skills and passion for the sport, inspiring aspiring athletes with her success and determination on the wrestling mat.

Babita Kumari Phogat is a highly accomplished Indian wrestler, with a remarkable career in the sport. She has achieved significant success at various international competitions, including winning gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Her impressive track record includes silver medals at both the 2018 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, as well as a bronze medal at the 2012 World Wrestling Championships. In addition to her sporting achievements, Babita Phogat ventured into politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019, showcasing her diverse interests and contributions beyond the wrestling mat.

Sakshi Malik is a former Indian freestyle wrestler who made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to achieve this feat. She has also been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Government of India. Malik is known for her success at various international competitions, including winning a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal at the 2015 Asian Wrestling Championships. She is actively involved in advocating for wrestlers' rights and has retired from wrestling due to conflicts within the wrestling federation.

Guru Hanuman, also known as Vijay Pal Yadav, was a renowned wrestling coach in India. He achieved widespread recognition for coaching numerous successful wrestlers who went on to win medals. In 1987, he received the prestigious Dronacharya Award, the highest honor for a sports coach in India, in recognition of his contributions to the wrestling community. Additionally, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 1983 for his outstanding achievements in the field of sports coaching. Guru Hanuman's dedication and expertise left a lasting impact on Indian wrestling.