Wrestler-turned-MLA Vinesh Phogat becomes a mother, welcomes baby boy with husband Somvir Rathee

Vinesh Phogat welcomed a baby boy on Tuesday, with both mother and son in good health following the delivery.

Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers and a first-time legislator, stepped into a new chapter of her life on Tuesday with the birth of her first child, a baby boy. The 30-year-old Congress MLA and her husband, fellow wrestler Somvir Rathee, welcomed their son at a private hospital in Delhi.

Vinesh Phogat during the 2024 Paris Olympics

Her elder brother Harvinder Phogat confirmed the joyous news. “Vinesh gave birth to a baby boy this morning. Both mother and baby are healthy. It’s a moment of great joy for our family,” Harvinder told The Indian Express. He also revealed that Vinesh will soon return to Somvir’s home, adding, “We will all visit her soon. Everyone in our village, Balali, is excited to welcome her and the baby.”

Back in March, Vinesh had shared her pregnancy announcement on social media, captioning a photo with: “Our love story continues with a new chapter,” accompanied by baby and heart emojis, a post that drew warm wishes from fans and fellow athletes alike.

This joyful news arrives after an emotional and turbulent phase in Vinesh’s life. At the Paris Olympics last year, she faced heartbreak after being disqualified from the women’s 50kg final due to exceeding the weight limit. She later described the incident as the “biggest wound” of her life, though she kept the door open for a future return to wrestling.