#TFGinterview: Mother of two, Indian MMA fighter Anjali Gupta Urges Women To free themselves

ANJALI GUPTA is out to break the stereotypes. A mother of two beautiful daughters, Anjali has managed to capture the attention of the Indian combat sports community.

Falling in Love with Combat Sports:

It all started three years back when she made a huge decision. She found herself single with two kids to raise, she was over-weight, over-worked and in her own words 'terribly unhappy'. Getting stronger and healthier seemed a way out of the distress for her. But as she was not really into group exercises like Zumba or Aerobics, Anjali explored more option.

The turning point then came thanks to her friend Pinakin. It was Pinakin that suggested Anjali to take up combat sports. Immediately excited by the idea, the mother of two went and consulted Samith Bhat, who is currently her coach.

Taking such a decision seemed easy when compared to the actual execution. Early on, Anjali struggled with the physical demands of the sport.

Anjali Gupta: When I first started, I couldn't even do 5 jumping jacks or even 3 push-ups. That was almost 3 years ago! In mid 2016 Sam sir asked me if I wanted to take part in fights. At first, I resisted the idea. Indian women aren't supposed to be aggressive, right? Well, about a week after that conversation, I was in the Fight Team.

The Debut and Questions that followed

Being in the fight team raised the bar. She had to lose nearly 15 Kgs to be in fighting condition and needed help from all corners of the nation to get her in shape. Fortunately, Vasuki Fitness and Gauri Murthy from Mumbai helped her out with the diet when Jitendra Khare from Team Relentless and Sujay Janardhan of Red Cage Bangalore gave her some valuable tips.

After almost training six-hours per day ahead of her fight, Anjali stepped into the cage in December 2016.

Anjali Gupta: My first fight was in December 2016. I had a national level Kick Boxing fight in Bihar. I won the fight and subsequently the Gold. It was a very special and deeply moving experience. I finally felt at peace with my life and felt that now I have something to do, something of my own to look forward to.

The initial reaction from her friends and family proved to be skeptical. But soon, they realized the stubbornness and drive.

Anjali Gupta: After every fight or competition, my Dad asks me "So this is it? No more, right?". I roll my eyes at him. My mom loves that I am happy and doing something for myself. My kids, my brother, my sis-in-law, even my 90-year-old Dadiji are overjoyed at all my accomplishments and are proud of all that I have been able to do.

Still, she gets some unanswered questions about her direction.

Anjali Gupta: I still get the occasional "What are you doing with your life? What is your goal? what kind of legacy is this?". To which I just smile, you can't answer every single question people have. I think my actions speak louder than words. I can't live my life for anyone else. I want to fade into the sunset and leave a legacy that says I didn't hold back from living my life.

Stepping into MMA:

The success she enjoyed in the kickboxing arena opened the doors into the world of MMA. The Yoddha Fighting Championship, which was held in Nagaland turned out to be the perfect entry for Anjali. She stepped into the cage and went out with a win, in turn, putting everyone on notice.

Anjali Gupta: Can I say I am so glad my MMA debut was in Nagaland? I am extremely glad it was. I did have the usual butterflies in my tummy, nervous energy, crazy thoughts about the fight and all that. But when my song started playing, and I walked out, the crowd went wild, I felt energized. Once I was in the cage, I looked to my corner and saw my Coach Sam, and my Team mate Basavesh, I felt a calm come over me. There was just one thought in my mind "Give it your best".

The crowd that filled the arena gave the adrenaline that rushed in from all corners. And the way in which the energy carried over to her proved to be a magical moment.

Anjali Gupta: At one point during the fight while I was punching my opponent, I heard the crowd stomping the floor rhythmically to my punches, making this resounding noise. That primitive sound, it electrified me. It is something that will be in my heart forever.

The Inspiring Mother:

The win proved to be an exciting affair for Anjali's daughters. Aged 11 and 8 respectively, Both of them are being trained in Karate and according to Anjali, her daughters have a better record than her.

Anjali Gupta: My daughters were overjoyed and were screaming at my win. To be honest, at this point they have won many more fights in Karate than I have!!! My Little one said she wanted to do full-contact fights, so I'll take that as a win as well. Even as young as they are, they are thoroughly focused on whatever they do. In fact, my elder daughter has represented our state at the KAI Nationals. They have now showed interest in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so my Team and I are excited about them starting!

Clearly, an inspiration to her daughter, Anjali herself was inspired by her mother.

Anjali Gupta: I come from a long line of strong, courageous, intelligent women. My inspiration has, and always will be my mom. My mom is an avid horse rider, swimmer and weight lifter. She is calm under stress, and takes life as it comes in the most graceful way. My daughters call her the strongest Nanima they know. So yes, the inspiration for my life is my Mom.

Away from the Combat sports world, Anjali serves as a manager at a Medical Devices Manufacturing Factory. Balancing her multiple roles have not been a cake walk but so far, it's been going well.

Anjali Gupta: It truly is a challenge. I am my own worst critic, so I feel like I'm never doing a good enough job with anything. I am always on the go and I never rest. It's hard to prioritize these three areas sometimes. But so far (knock-on-wood), it's been okay.

She currently trains with Team Genesis in Mysore under Samith Bhat and is also a State Level Power Lifting Bronze Medalist due to the guidance of Sujay Janardhan from Red Cage. Open to take up any fight that comes her way she also trains wrestling under Manjunath Singh.

'Be a positive role model'

When asked about the why it is important for women to be strong, Anjali had a lengthy answer which deserved some limelight.

Anjali Gupta: Women need to feel empowered to step out of the house and make themselves healthy and whole, both physically and emotionally. As young girls, our minds are bent, our opinions framed, making us accept the hierarchy of our society, where we are expected to put our needs, our feelings, our life second place.

Combat sports is just one way to break free of the mould. When you train, when you hit the bag, when you get hit, it's only about you and no one else. It's one thing women can do to make themselves strong and free themselves from the confines that have kept them subservient.

You have one life to live. You can’t change the world, but you can change how you react to it. Recent molestations in Delhi, Bengaluru and across India, do not define us, do not confine us. Step out of the shadows and make a difference. So follow your heart. For yourself, and for the millions of girls out there, be a positive role-model. You are Strong, You are Invincible, and You are Women.

Couldn’t find a better way to end the story: You are Strong. You are invincible. You are Women.

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.