Discover the inspiring journey of Puja Tomar, from battling patriarchy to becoming a champion in MMA. Overcome challenges, find support, and embrace mental toughness. Read more.
| Key Points |
|---|
| Puja Tomar’s journey from battling patriarchy to becoming a champion in MMA |
| Overcoming challenges and discrimination due to her gender |
| Finding support and success at Matrix Fight Night |
| The importance of mental toughness in MMA and in life |
| The role of women supporting women in Tomar’s journey |
| Inspirations and idols in Tomar’s career |
| Evolving in sport and continuously improving her skills |
| Leaving a legacy of determination and perseverance |
Puja Tomar, a five-time national wushu champion, has overcome numerous challenges to become one of the most popular faces in Indian mixed martial arts (MMA). Growing up in a big family that valued boys over girls, Tomar took it upon herself to protect her two sisters and mother. Drawing inspiration from Jackie Chan’s movies, she started learning martial arts and eventually became a battle-hardened fighter.
Overcoming Adversity
Tomar’s journey was not without its share of struggles. After her father’s untimely death, she felt a sense of responsibility and became determined to protect her family. She faced discrimination and aggression due to her gender, which fueled her desire to beat up boys who troubled her sisters. Gradually, she honed her skills in martial arts and became a national champion in wushu, karate, and taekwondo.
Rise to Prominence
Tomar’s talent and dedication led her to the world of MMA, where she faced both personal and professional challenges. Despite a forgettable outing in ONE Championship, she found support and backing at Matrix Fight Night (MFN). Ayesha Shroff, the co-founder of MFN, played a crucial role in Tomar’s career, providing financial support and the confidence to compete at home. With MFN, Tomar began to thrive, winning the strawweight championship and becoming India’s highest-ranked female MMA fighter.
Mental Toughness
Tomar attributes her mental toughness to the hardships she faced in life. The grief of losing her father and the struggles her mother had to endure made her resilient. In MMA, where punches and kicks can come from anywhere, Tomar’s past experiences have made her mentally strong. She believes that if she can handle the challenges life throws at her, she can overcome anything.
Women Supporting Women
Tomar recognizes the importance of women supporting each other. Her mother played a crucial role in her journey, standing against their family’s objections and encouraging Tomar to pursue MMA. Ayesha Shroff’s support and belief in Tomar’s abilities also played a significant role in her success. Tomar hopes to inspire other women to pursue their dreams and never give up.
Idols and Inspiration
Tomar’s idols have evolved over time. While she used to mimic Jackie Chan’s moves, she now looks up to fighters like Amanda Nunes and Rose Namajunas. She draws inspiration from their aggression and determination. Ritu Phogat, another Indian MMA fighter, has also been a guiding force in Tomar’s life, pushing her to excel in wrestling and motivating her during training.
Evolving in Sport and in Life
Tomar’s transition from wushu to MMA required her to develop new skills, particularly in ground game. She has continuously worked on improving her ground game and has seen significant progress. Despite facing resistance from her elders in Muzaffarnagar, Tomar remains determined to break barriers and inspire young girls to pursue their passions.
Leaving a Legacy
Tomar’s ultimate goal is to be remembered as someone who defied the odds and made it from scratch. From being born into a society that favored boys to becoming an MMA champion, she wants people to recognize the power of perseverance and determination. Tomar hopes that her journey will inspire others to overcome their own challenges and realize their potential.
Summary
| Key Points || — || Puja Tomar’s journey from battling patriarchy to becoming a champion in MMA || Overcoming challenges and discrimination due to her gender || Finding support and success at Matrix Fight Night || The importance of mental toughness in MMA and in life || The role of women supporting women in Tomar’s journey || Inspirations and idols in Tomar’s career || Evolving in sport and continuously improving her skills || Leaving a legacy of determination and perseverance |
