To Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat, being a martial artist is not just about achieving individual success, it’s also about inspiring others. However, the wrestling sensation wants to be a role model outside of martial arts too.

Since her transition from a decorated wrestling champion into a mixed martial arts star, the #4-ranked ONE Championship atomweight has been fighting to inspire young women in India to pursue mixed martial arts as well.

She will have the perfect opportunity to prove her point when she faces Stamp Fairtex in the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix Final at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS this Friday, December 3.

“People don’t give much importance to girls in this sport,” the 27-year-old athlete said. 

“I want girls to have the freedom to work in any field. I try to give my best every time because lots of young girls are watching me. If I can inspire them with my performance, that’s a great feeling.” 

Read More: Ritu Phogat Eager to Elevate Family Name and “The Entire Country” With Grand Prix Win

Ritu Phogat wants to beat all the top contenders of her division

There is no bigger platform for her to make a statement. Millions of fans worldwide will tune in to witness the crowning of a new World Grand Prix Champion when these two women battle inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

However, the three-time wrestling medalist is dedicated to her craft, and she wants to show and prove it, and then get her shot at “Unstoppable” Angela Lee for the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title.

“I don’t consider myself to be one of the top fighters in the world. But the day I win the belt, I will surely be one of them,” the Evolve MMA star said.

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“I want to beat all the top contenders in the atomweight division, and I am working hard to achieve that. Once I do this, I can call myself the best.”

Read More: “I Will Prove That I Am One Of The Best Fighters” – Ritu Phogat Addresses Critics

Phogat has a message for women around the globe

The Indian fighter with a 7-1 MMA record has put in all the hard work, and now she wants to put everything together at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS this Friday. 

A victory is not guaranteed, but Phogat wants to let women know that they can dream big, work hard, and achieve their goals with the right amount of work – be it in MMA or any other job that society does not deem fit.

“If you are determined to achieve something, then you will definitely get it,” she said.

“Dreams don’t come true overnight. I have worked hard for four years now, and I have yet to achieve my goal. Only perseverance can make our dreams come true.” 

Read More: ONE Championship Closes Out 2021 With ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II On 17 December

Fans in India can catch Phogat in action at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS live on Disney+ Hotstar or Star Sports Select 1 at 6 p.m. India Standard Time (IST) on Friday, 3 December. 

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