Dangal 2016

Mahavir Singh Phogat's Disappointment

The story begins with Mahavir Singh Phogat, a passionate wrestler, who feels disheartened by the poor performance of Indian wrestlers at the Olympics. His dream is to see his son win a gold medal, but fate plays a different hand when he and his wife welcome four daughters instead.

Welcoming Daughters

Mahavir and Daya Shobha celebrate the arrival of their daughters: Geeta, Babita, Ritu, and Sangita. As each daughter is born, Mahavir faces societal pressure and disappointment, struggling with the expectation of having a son to carry on his wrestling legacy.

Reigniting Hope

After years of feeling defeated, Mahavir's hopes are rejuvenated when he discovers that his daughters possess exceptional talent in wrestling. Inspired by their abilities, he decides to break from tradition and trains Geeta and Babita to become wrestlers, disregarding societal norms.

Strict Training Regimen

Taking on the role of coach, Mahavir implements a strict training regimen for his daughters. Early morning workouts and a rigorous diet become the norm, but when the girls rebel, he cuts their hair as a disciplinary measure, emphasizing the seriousness of their commitment to wrestling.

Facing Reality

The turning point for Geeta and Babita comes when they witness the harsh reality faced by their friend Sunita, who is forced into child marriage. This incident motivates the sisters to embrace the demanding lifestyle of wrestling, and they begin training with fervor under their father's guidance.

First Wrestling Matches

Geeta takes her first steps onto the wrestling mat, demonstrating her skills to the onset of community skepticism. Despite facing a setback in her initial match where she faces defeat, she perseveres and earns respect, setting the stage for future competitions.

Transition to the National Sports Academy

As Geeta progresses in her wrestling career, she moves to the National Sports Academy for advanced training. However, she grapples with new coaching styles and the lifestyle changes that accompany her training, causing a rift in her relationship with her father Mahavir.

Babita Joins the Academy

Upon joining Geeta at the academy, Babita experiences the struggles of balancing their athletic identity with their roles as daughters. The sisters support each other through pressures and expectations, trying to maintain their family's dreams while navigating their own aspirations.

Challenges Before the Commonwealth Games

As the 2010 Commonwealth Games approach, Geeta finds herself overwhelmed by doubt and pressure, questioning her abilities and training methods. Despite working hard to prepare, she feels the weight of expectations, both from her coach and her father.

The Final Match

In a tense final match at the Commonwealth Games, Geeta faces formidable competitors while battling her own insecurities. Remembering her father's encouraging words ignites a new fire within her, pushing her to fight harder for victory.

Groundbreaking Victory

Geeta achieves a historic milestone by winning India’s first gold medal in women’s wrestling. As the national anthem plays, Mahavir rushes to embrace her, a moment that symbolizes their shared dream and the breaking of societal norms.

A Moment of Pride

In the aftermath of the medal ceremony, Mahavir joyfully acknowledges the tremendous effort and determination displayed by Geeta and Babita. His heartfelt praise, ‘Well-done,’ signifies not just a personal triumph, but a victory for women athletes everywhere.