The Indian wrestling community has been left in shock by terrible news this morning. State-level wrestler Ritika Phogat, who is the maternal sister of wrestling champions Geeta and Babita Phogat, died by suicide, reports India Today. She was just 17-years old.
Ritika Phogat’s death comes after her recent loss at a wrestling match final. According to News18, she had participated in a state-level sub-junior, junior women, and men’s wrestling competition at Lohagarh Stadium in Bharatpur held between March 12-14.
It has been reported that she lost the match by a single point and she couldn’t “bear” her defeat.
According to reports, Ritika had been practising wrestling for the past 5 years at Mahavir Phogat Sports Academy in Haryana and was trained under Mahavir Singh Phogat himself, who was reportedly present during her last match.
Condolences poured in for the Phogat family from across the country as many mourned the death of a wrestling talent.
Rest in Peace choti behen Ritika. I still can't believe what just happened with you Will miss you forever 💔💔 Om Shanti 🥺😢🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/LiLum1kbYB
— Ritu phogat (@PhogatRitu) March 18, 2021
Terrible news that we lost #RitikaPhogat who had a brilliant career ahead. The world has changed from where it was some decades ago. Athletes are facing pressures which were not there earlier. An essential part of their training should be to deal with these pressures.
— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) March 18, 2021
बच्चों के पास अपना दिल और दिमाग होता है तो निश्चित ही भविष्य को लेकर उनके अपने सपने भी होते होंगे. इसलिए अपने सपने बच्चों पर ना थोपें. #RitikaPhogat
— Aditya Chaudhary (@hrypr) March 18, 2021
#RitikaPhogat was 17! She lost a match by one point, allegedly. And she got so disheartened, she committed suicide… I'm sure you will ensure that our Sportspersons get PSYCHOLOGICAL & MENTAL training even more than physical, @KirenRijiju ji. 🙏🏻 Om Shanti 🙏🏻 Prayers… 🙏🏻
— Jyoti Kapur Das (@jkd18) March 18, 2021
This is so heartbreaking. May she rest in peace. Wish you and your family much strength and patience in this difficult time, Ritu. 🙏🏽❤️
— Siyar Bahadurzada (@Siyarized) March 18, 2021
Terrible News coming about #RitikaPhogat cousin sister of wrestler #BabitaPhogat She lost a match by one point, allegedly. After match She got so disheartened, she committed suicide as per the News.
We need more focus on PSYCHOLOGICAL & MENTAL Health @KirenRijiju Om Shanti 🙏🏻😢 https://t.co/GECoqjKTP4
— Dilbag Koundalਦਿਲਬਾਗ ਕੌਂਡਲ #CoronaVaccine🇮🇳 (@dilbag_koundal) March 18, 2021
Phogat sisters are epitome of courage and fortitude in India inspiring many girls to fulfill their dreams but sister Ritika's step left us broken completely.😐
Winning and losing is part of game. life It's tough but learn to accept it👍🏻#RitikaPhogat— Kamlesh Kumar 🇮🇳 (@Kamlesh___Kumar) March 18, 2021
May her soul rest in peace.