The world of Indian wrestling was struck by grief on Thursday evening after Balwan Singh Punia, father of Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia, passed away. While Bajrang shared the heartbreaking news on social media, it was the moment when Sangeeta Phogat—Bajrang’s wife and fellow wrestler—was informed about the tragedy during the reality show Rise and Fall that left viewers emotional.
Emotional moment on the show
According to insiders, Sangeeta Phogat broke down on hearing the news of her father-in-law’s passing while on the sets of Rise and Fall. Overcome with emotion, she reportedly struggled to process the loss, recalling Balwan Singh’s immense role in shaping Bajrang’s career and supporting the family.
Balwan Singh, remembered as the backbone of the Punia household, had been a guiding force throughout Bajrang’s wrestling journey. In Bajrang’s own words: “Bapuji is no longer with us… he worked tirelessly to bring us to where we are today. He was the backbone of our family.”
Bajrang and Sangeeta’s bond
Bajrang Punia married Sangeeta Phogat in November 2020 in a quiet ceremony at Balali village, Haryana. Sharing the news back then, Bajrang wrote on Instagram: “Today, I have chosen my life partner and it feels like I have gained another family. I am starting a new chapter in my life and I am both happy and excited for the journey ahead.”
The couple’s bond has been admired both on and off the mat, making Sangeeta’s emotional response to her father-in-law’s demise deeply relatable to fans.
Last rites in Khuddan village
The last rites of Balwan Singh will be performed at the family’s native Khuddan village in Jhajjar, Haryana, on Friday. Wrestling circles across India have expressed condolences, remembering him as the silent strength behind one of India’s greatest athletes.
