Real-Life Dangal Girl Ritu Phogat Shares How to Punch Like a Girl!
From packing a power knockout punch to her lockdown fitness routine, MMA wrestler Ritu Phogat reveals the game plan before her dual with Cambodian MMA sensation Nou Srey Pov later this month.
From packing a power knockout punch to her lockdown fitness routine, MMA wrestler Ritu Phogat reveals the game plan before her dual with Cambodian MMA sensation Nou Srey Pov later this month.
1How have you managed your training during the Covid-19Yes,my training has obviously been impacted, especially because for me, MMA is a new sport. So it has been a challenging transition. I am also living in a new country, Singapore, all by myself. So it has definitely been hard because the game is new and the country is new. Also, I don’t have my sisters around or my father to take advice from. However, during the lockdown when training was halted because wrestling and grappling are contact sports, the coaches helped me by making training videos. But everything has slowly become better now because the lockdown has eased considerably in Singapore and now I am working out and training at the gym. I have been working on improving my striking technique as I want to show the world that we Indians are ‘all-rounders’. On-field or off field!
But yes, it is quite unfortunate that the pandemic has caused problems for everyone around the world.
2How did you get the name “IndianDuring my wrestling days, many people used to say that the moment I put my mind to something whether it was in the wrestling ring or outside, I would just go for it like a determined tigress! Hence, I got this name - the Indian Tigress.
3Dangal was based on your family’s story but who would you like to play your character if a biopic is made on yourI think I would like to play myself in the film! Because no one knows my struggle and journey better than myself!
4What will your strategy be while playing at ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX against Cambodian MMA sensation Nou SreyShe is an experienced MMA champion and it will be a tough and interesting fight between the both of us. I am ready and have worked extremely hard for this. I am ready to give it my best! And as far as strategies are concerned, I would want each one of you to tune in and watch some of the strategies I deploy against the opponent.
6How challenging will it be to fight in an empty arena?Yes, no audience in the stadium will definitely feel different as crowds can provide motivation and cheer. But when I step into the ring, my sole focus is my opponent. Besides, an empty stadium means that you can hear nothing but your coach, guiding you through the match. You have to be mentally strong, this is very important for athletes. This is why I meditate to keep my mind strong.
7What is the one advice that your father gives you before aMy father always says to pack enough power in one punch so that the opponent is instantly knocked out and cannot get up at all. Basically, pack as much power in every punch!
9.What is the one lesson from your sports life that you use in your personal life? And, what is your message to Indians to stay fit during thisDiscipline. If we are not disciplined, we cannot achieve anything.
Out of 24 hours, I would advise everyone to take out just 30 mins and practice Yoga. Even doing household chores helps. Yoga and meditation are the best options.
10How are you keeping your morale up during such tough times?My motivation has always been my father and his words, he has always said to me - You have to sacrifice to win something. My prime goal is to make my family and my country proud. I am here all by myself and I’ve left my country behind, my sisters behind, hence, my sole focus is on doing the best and that is my motivation. I have to win the world championship belt. I don’t listen to too many songs but when I do, I listen to upbeat music while training and ghazals while I have some free time.
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