The rise of Indian women in wrestling has been nothing short of extraordinary. From local akharas to the Olympic podium, female wrestlers from India have consistently broken barriers, defied social norms, and brought glory to the nation. The Top 10 Indian Female Wrestlers of all time stand as shining examples of strength, resilience, and determination. Their achievements have not only earned medals but also transformed the way India views women in combat sports.
These trailblazing athletes have performed brilliantly across the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships. Names like Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Babita Phogat have become household names, inspiring young girls across the country to pursue wrestling. Their relentless training, fierce competition spirit, and powerful performances have put India on the global wrestling map.
Each of the Top 10 Indian Female Wrestlers has a story that reflects hard work, sacrifice, and excellence. Whether it’s Olympic success, continental dominance, or national influence, these women have made history. As India continues to grow in the world of sports, these wrestlers remain pillars of progress, pride, and power—lifting the country’s reputation one match at a time.
Top 10 Indian Female Wrestlers you must know :
10. Divya Kakran
Divya Kakran earns her place among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers for her consistent performances and fearless style on the mat. Competing in the 68 kg freestyle category, Divya has made a mark in national and international competitions despite facing immense challenges. Known for her explosive moves and raw power, she has won over 60 medals at the national level and continues to be one of India’s most promising female wrestlers.
Born in Delhi to a humble family originally from Uttar Pradesh, Divya began wrestling at a young age, often competing against boys in local akharas. Her early exposure to tough opponents hardened her resolve and sharpened her technique. She rose to prominence after winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games and then followed it with another bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Divya is also a multiple-time national champion and has represented India at the World Championships and various ranking series events. Her powerful takedowns and fighting spirit have won her respect within the wrestling community. As one of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Divya Kakran continues to be a symbol of determination and rising talent in Indian wrestling.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Bronze | 2018 Asian Games |
9. Anita Sheoran
Anita Sheoran is a former Asian champion and Commonwealth Games medalist who rightfully claims a spot among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers. Competing primarily in the 63 kg and 67 kg freestyle categories, she was one of the earliest female wrestlers to bring international recognition to India in the early 2000s, paving the way for others to follow.
Hailing from Dhani Mahu village in Haryana, Anita began wrestling when the sport was still in its early stages for women in India. Fighting against societal expectations and infrastructural limitations, she made her international debut in the mid-2000s and soon began making waves. Her major breakthrough came at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where she won a bronze medal, and she went on to win gold at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships.
Anita was known for her aggressive mat control, solid defense, and strategic movements. Her performances consistently challenged stronger international opponents, and she remained a mainstay in India’s wrestling squad for over a decade. As one of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Anita Sheoran’s career stands as a testament to grit and early excellence during a foundational era for women’s wrestling in India.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Gold | 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship |
8. Navjot Kaur
Navjot Kaur holds a distinguished place among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers for her historic achievements, especially in the 65 kg freestyle category. She became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships in 2018, a milestone that cemented her legacy in Indian wrestling history.
Born in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, Navjot took up wrestling at a young age, driven by passion and supported by her family. She rose through the national ranks with her powerful wrestling style and tactical intelligence. Before her landmark 2018 gold, she had already won a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the 2011 Asian Championships, showing her consistency over the years.
Navjot is known for her strong grips, solid upper-body control, and ability to dominate opponents in clinch positions. Her achievements inspired many young wrestlers, particularly in Punjab, and helped elevate the status of Indian women’s wrestling on the Asian stage. As one of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Navjot Kaur’s legacy lies in being a quiet force who broke new ground and set high standards for future generations.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Gold | 2018 Asian Wrestling Championship |
7. Geeta Phogat
Geeta Phogat is a pioneering figure in Indian wrestling and a proud inclusion in the top 10 Indian female wrestlers of all time. She made history in 2010 by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games, competing in the 55 kg freestyle category. Geeta’s success marked a turning point for women’s wrestling in India and inspired a nationwide movement toward female participation in the sport.
Born in Balali village, Haryana, Geeta was trained by her father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler and coach who defied social norms to train his daughters in a male-dominated field. Her determination and early wins proved that Indian women could compete at the international level. In addition to her Commonwealth gold, Geeta also qualified for the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to do so, further cementing her place in wrestling history.
Geeta is known for her aggressive, fast-paced style and confident mat presence. Her life story was popularized by the Bollywood film “Dangal,” which brought her achievements to mainstream attention. As one of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Geeta Phogat remains a trailblazer and role model for young girls across the country.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Gold | 2010 Commonwealth Games |
6. Babita Phogat
Babita Phogat, one of the most recognizable names in Indian wrestling, stands tall among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers of all time. Known for her fierce determination and never-give-up attitude, Babita has earned medals at all major competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, making her a key figure in India’s wrestling revolution.
Born in Balali, Haryana, and trained under the guidance of her father Mahavir Singh Phogat, Babita grew up in a household where wrestling was a way of life. She gained national fame when she won silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, followed by gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the 55 kg category. She also bagged a bronze medal at the 2012 World Wrestling Championships, becoming one of the few Indian women to win a World medal.
Babita’s aggressive style, relentless pace, and powerful attacks have been hallmarks of her career. Alongside her sister Geeta Phogat, Babita played a vital role in changing public perception about women in wrestling and inspired many through her journey. Featured in the movie “Dangal,” her life and achievements remain a source of pride. Among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Babita Phogat’s legacy continues to motivate a new generation.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Gold | 2014 Commonwealth Games |
5. Ritu Phogat
Ritu Phogat earns her place among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers for her exceptional performances at the junior level and her bold transition into international mixed martial arts (MMA). A member of the renowned Phogat family, she carved her own identity with her technical finesse, discipline, and powerful presence on the mat.
Born in Balali, Haryana, Ritu is the youngest of the Phogat sisters and started wrestling under the same rigorous training as her siblings. She became a national champion and quickly rose to international prominence by winning gold at the 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in the 48 kg category. She followed it with a silver at the 2017 Asian Championships, further proving her ability to compete against the best in Asia.
In 2019, Ritu made a groundbreaking decision to shift from wrestling to MMA, signing with ONE Championship. Her move drew global attention and made her a pioneer for Indian athletes branching into new combat sports. While her wrestling career was relatively short, her technical brilliance and fearless attitude continue to inspire.
As one of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Ritu Phogat stands out not just for her medals but for her willingness to challenge norms and expand the horizon for Indian female athletes.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Gold | 2016 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship |
4. Alka Tomar
Alka Tomar is one of India’s earliest international female wrestling champions and a respected name among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers. Competing in the 59 kg freestyle category, Alka brought global recognition to Indian women’s wrestling during a time when resources and visibility were limited. Her success laid a strong foundation for future stars to rise in the sport.
Hailing from Sisauli in Uttar Pradesh, Alka began wrestling at a time when very few women were even allowed to enter the akhara. Despite the odds, she became a force to reckon with, earning medals in some of the world’s toughest arenas. Her most iconic achievement came in 2006 when she won a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships, making her one of the first Indian women to reach the world podium. She followed this by winning gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Alka was known for her strength-based style, effective counterattacks, and incredible composure under pressure. Her performances inspired a new generation of female wrestlers and changed how India viewed women in combat sports. As one of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Alka Tomar is remembered as a true pioneer whose achievements transcended medals.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Bronze | 2006 World Wrestling Championships |
3. Sakshi Malik
Sakshi Malik is a trailblazer in Indian sports and one of the most celebrated athletes among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers. She etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal, claiming bronze in the 58 kg freestyle category at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her achievement was not only historic but also a turning point for women’s wrestling in India.
Born in Mokhra village of Haryana, Sakshi started wrestling at the age of 12 and trained under renowned coaches at the Sports Authority of India center in Rohtak. Before her Olympic success, she had already made waves by winning silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2015 Asian Championships. Following Rio, she went on to win gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Championships and a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Sakshi is known for her powerful lifts, fearless approach, and ability to turn matches around in the final seconds. Beyond her medals, she became a symbol of hope and empowerment for Indian women. As one of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Sakshi Malik’s legacy continues to grow—both on the mat and as an advocate for women’s rights in sports.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Bronze | 2016 Olympics |
2. Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat is one of the most dominant and versatile athletes among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers. Competing across the 50 kg to 53 kg freestyle categories, she has earned global recognition for her explosive technique, mental toughness, and consistent international success. Vinesh is the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, making her one of India’s most accomplished wrestlers in any category.
Born in Balali, Haryana, and a cousin of Geeta and Babita Phogat, Vinesh inherited the family’s wrestling legacy but carved her own path to greatness. Her breakthrough came at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where she won gold in the 48 kg category. She repeated her gold medal feat in 2018 and also clinched the Asian Games gold in the same year, a first for an Indian woman in wrestling.
Vinesh has also been a consistent performer at the World Wrestling Championships, with multiple top-five finishes and a bronze in 2019. Despite facing serious injuries, including a heart-breaking exit at the 2016 Olympics, she has made remarkable comebacks. Among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat stands out for her elite level, resilience, and inspiring journey.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Gold | 2018 Asian Games |
1. Anshu Malik
Anshu Malik leads the list of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers for her exceptional rise in global wrestling and her history-making performances at a young age. Competing in the 57 kg freestyle category, she became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal at the World Wrestling Championships in 2021—an achievement that signaled the arrival of a new era in Indian women’s wrestling.
Born in Nidani village, Haryana, into a family of wrestlers, Anshu took to the sport early and showed promise in junior competitions. Her technical excellence, unmatched work ethic, and fearless attacking style quickly helped her climb the senior ranks. In addition to her World Championship silver, she has won gold at the 2021 Asian Wrestling Championships and silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Anshu is widely admired for her aggressive starts, precise counters, and exceptional fitness. At just 20 years old during her world medal run, she redefined what Indian wrestlers could achieve at a young age. Her progress continues to be closely followed ahead of each international championship.
As the youngest wrestler in the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, Anshu Malik represents the present and future of India’s dominance in global wrestling circles.
| Major Medal | Event |
| Silver | 2021 World Wrestling Championships |
FAQs
Q: Who was the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympic medal?
Sakshi Malik, featured in the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in wrestling by winning bronze at Rio 2016.
Q: Which wrestler among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers won a World Championship medal first?
Alka Tomar was the first among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers to win a World Wrestling Championship medal, earning bronze in 2006.
Q: Which Indian female wrestler has won the most Asian Games medals?
Vinesh Phogat, one of the top 10 Indian female wrestlers, has won multiple medals at the Asian Games, including a historic gold in 2018.
Q: Who is the youngest wrestler among the top 10 Indian female wrestlers?
Anshu Malik is the youngest athlete in the top 10 Indian female wrestlers and became the first Indian woman to win a silver at the World Championships.
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