New Delhi: Rajasthan wrestler Ritika Phogat, cousin of Commonwealth Games gold medalists Geeta and Babita Phogat, allegedly killed herself after finishing second in the 53kg category of the state sub-junior competition, said an official of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
She died on Monday. The competition was held at a local stadium in Bharatpur, Rajasthan from March 12 to 14. Ritika, 17, was one of of four competitors and she lost the gold medal round.
“She too wanted to win a medal at the international level like her cousins but went into depression after losing the gold medal bout in the state meet,” said the official.
Ritika was the daughter of Mahavir’s brother-in-law, thus making her a maternal first cousin to Geeta, Babita and Ritu.
Geeta and Babita had won gold and silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Geeta was the first female wrestler from India to win gold while Babita went on to win gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Their cousin Vinesh Phogat is the top ranked 53kg wrestler in the world and an Asian Games gold medallist. Vinesh is also a favorite to win a medal at this year’s Tokyo Olympics.
