For Dipanshi Phogat, wrestling was not a sport she discovered by watching television or following a famous athlete. Her journey began at just nine years old, shaped by her family’s sporting background and, more importantly, her own determination to carve out an identity on the mat.

In the latest episode of Reliance Foundation's Safar Champions Ka, Dipanshi Phogat reflects on her journey from stepping onto the wrestling mat at nine to competing at the highest level, sharing how her family, coaches and her own self-belief have shaped her path towards becoming a champion.

Dipanshi Phogat’s wrestling journey began at just nine years old. Her father, Surender Phogat, had wrestled, while her mother, Meenu, was a kabaddi player, giving her a natural connection to sport from an early age. 

“My inspiration is myself. I want to be like myself. I don’t want to be like anyone else,” Dipanshi says.

That self-belief has been central to her development, alongside the unwavering support of her parents. They never allowed financial limitations or societal expectations to become barriers to her ambitions, making sure she had everything she needed to pursue wrestling and never restricting her because she was a girl.

Her first major breakthrough came with a medal at the National Under-15 level, her first national medal and also her academy’s first medal for her. Her family remembers the celebrations around her first gold with immense pride.

“When she won the gold and came back, we were very, very happy,” her father, Surender, says in the film.

As Dipanshi progressed into senior competition, she embraced the challenge with a simple mindset.

“When you step onto the mat, there is no senior or junior. They are athletes and we are athletes. Once we step onto the mat, everyone is equal,” she says.

Her coaches have also seen significant technical growth, particularly in her attacking wrestling. Alongside her technique, Dipanshi has worked on strengthening her defence and improving her physical strength as she continues to compete at higher levels and attend national camps.

The journey has not always been smooth. Dipanshi describes 2025 as a particularly difficult year, with a significant downturn that left her feeling low. Her family and coaches helped her regain confidence and reminded her of what she was capable of.

“They kept telling me, ‘You can do it. You can.’ My coach also trained me well and kept telling me that I could do it,” she recalls.
Her journey has also inspired her younger siblings, who have taken up wrestling after watching her compete.

“Her brothers and sisters also wrestle. We want them to also make a name for themselves one day, just like her,” her father says.

For Dipanshi, support has extended beyond her family and coaching team. Reliance Foundation has played an important role in her journey, providing financial support as well as access to physiotherapy, nutrition, psychological support, gym training and assistance with travel and logistics.

“After Reliance sponsored me, I got financial support, physiotherapy, nutrition, a psychologist and a gym trainer. Everyone has supported me really well,” she says.

Now, Dipanshi has her sights firmly set on gold for India.

“Everyone has the same dream to bring home gold. I will also do my best to bring back gold from there.”

For her though, the journey is about more than medals; it is about building her own identity, overcoming setbacks and continuing to grow into the champion she believes she can become.