Pooja Dhanda

Daughter of a tractor driver from Haryana, Pooja Dhanda’s competitive spirit has seen her grow into one of the most promising Indian women wrestlers of her generation. A young Pooja Dhanda began going on long runs in the countryside with her father, a marathon running enthusiast. However, the urge to compete at national and international events from a young age prompted Pooja Dhanda to take up judo in parallel. A natural athlete, Pooja Dhanda excelled as a judoka, winning several national and three international medals. Switched to wrestling since her body structure suited the sport.

• Discipline Wrestling
• State Haryana