As Vinesh Phogat announces pregnancy with husband Somvir Rathee, here’s a look at their love story

Their relationship became public when they got engaged on Vinesh’s 24th birthday, August 25, 2018, in a romantic moment outside Indira Gandhi International Airport. Vinesh had returned with a gold medal at the Jakarta Asian Games when Somvir surprised her with his proposal.

 

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Just a few months later, in December 2018, they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri, the former wrestler turned politician’s hometown. The wedding was attended by close family members, including her famous wrestling cousins, Geeta and Babita Phogat.

According to Amar Ujala’s report at the time, both Vinesh and Somvir had asked for only 1 rupees as a shagun for their wedding. It was also reported that they took eight vows, instead of the traditional seven vows in a Hindu marriage; with the eighth being–“beti bachao, beti padhao, beti khilao.”

Vinesh has been a dominant force in Indian wrestling, securing gold at the 2018 Asian Games. Her husband, Somvir Rathee, is also a talented wrestler, having won two national championships. The couple has often spoken about their shared motivation and mutual encouragement in their career.

Recently, Phogat faced a heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a slight weight discrepancy in the 50kg category.

The news of Vinesh Phogat’s pregnancy has been met with warm wishes from fans, fellow athletes, and the Indian sports fraternity. As she steps into this new phase of life, her journey from wrestling mats to motherhood will undoubtedly inspire many.