Sangram Singh

Sangram Singh (born 21 July 1985) is an Indian wrestler, actor, motivational speaker and MMA Fighter.

Early life Sangram was born in the village of Madina, located in Rohtak, Haryana. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and used a wheelchair for the first eight years of his life. His father, Umed Singh, is a retired Army soldier, while his mother, Ramodevi, is a homemaker.

Career

Professional wrestling career Wrestler Sangram Singh meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sangram Singh started his career as a sportsperson with the Delhi Police in 1999. In All India Police Games 2005 he represented Delhi Police at Chawla (New Delhi) and won a bronze medal. He was awarded the title World's Best Professional Wrestler by World Wrestling Professionals (WWP), after a match in South Africa in 2012 for his style, stamina, and nature of wrestling.

In July 2015, Sangram won the WWP Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship after defeating Joe E. Legend in the Last Man Standing fight in Port Elizabeth. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called Sangram Singh at the Parliament house to congratulate him for his victory.

Sangram won the WWP Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship for the second time on 27 March 2016, by defeating South African wrestler Ananzi, keeping the belt in India. The match was held at Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

After a six-year hiatus, Singh returned to professional wrestling at the Dubai Pro International Wrestling Championship on 24 February 2024, where he defeated Pakistan’s Mohammad Saeed and won his match.

Mixed martial arts career

In October 2024, Singh made his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, defeating Pakistan’s Ali Raza Nasir in 90 seconds. The bout was widely reported in Indian media as a significant milestone, with Singh becoming the first Indian male wrestler to successfully transition into MMA and win a professional bout.

At the age of 40, Singh’s entry into MMA was noted by media outlets as an uncommon achievement for an athlete beginning a professional mixed martial arts career at that stage of life.

In November 2025, Singh competed in the Levels Fight League in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he defeated Tunisian fighter Hakim Trabelsi in his bout. This was his second professional MMA fight, and with this victory he became the first Indian athlete to compete in the promotion and also secure a win in this league.

In April 2026, Singh competed in an MMA bout in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he defeated French fighter Florian Coudier in 1 minute and 45 seconds. With this victory, he became the first Indian athlete to win a mixed martial arts bout in Argentina, and recorded his third consecutive win in MMA competitions.

Following his victory in Argentina in April 2026, Singh was praised by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for promoting yoga and pranayama internationally. The Sports Ministry also expressed support for his involvement in initiatives aimed at promoting fitness and motivating youth participation in sports across India.

In July 2026, Singh competed in the Strike Asia Championship held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he defeated Pakistan's Mohammad Abid Ali by knockout in 80 seconds to win the title. With the victory, media reports described him as the first Indian to win the Strike Asia Championship title.

Social service and motivational speaking

Wrestler Sangram Singh adopted several children from all over India to educate them and to provide them a bright future. Sangram has been involved in social service and conducts various motivational talks for corporate companies. He motivates youngsters at schools and colleges by sharing his life journey. He was a motivational speaker for Indian wrestlers who were representing India in the Commonwealth Games. Singh announced the launch of the Champions Pro Khusti league in December 2015 in Mumbai. Sangram played his first international match in India in Chandigarh on 6 February 2016, the proceeds of which were dedicated to the benefit of cancer patients. Recently, Sangram Singh adopted 16 girls and 7 boys from his hometown Haryana and has sponsored their education. This is along with the adoption of a school in Satara, Maharashtra. Sangram Singh Foundation organised the first wrestling awards to felicitate and honour the forgotten heroes from wrestling who had won individual medals for India over the years on 16 September 2017 in New Delhi.

Entertainment In 2018 Director Mahesh Bhatt presented his first music video with Sangram Singh. Sangram shared his fitness mantra with actress Raveena Tandon on her television chat show Simply Baatein. Sangram also featured in Hrithik Roshan and Discovery India's television show HRX Heroes depicting stories of real-life heroes. Sangram's journey from the wheelchair to being an international professional wrestler was portrayed in this show. DD Sports telecasted a panel discussion series titled Rio to Tokyo: Vision 2020 to encourage participation of female athletes in various fields of sports. A special show as part of the series was hosted by Sangram Singh at Haryana's MD University Rohtak on 19 December 2016. Sangram has walked the ramp for designers like Sanjana Jon, Nitya Bajaj Birla, Dhruv Vaish in the Fashion Design Council of India.

Sportswear line Sangram launched his sportswear range SGXbySangramSingh in Delhi on 17 March 2016 at the Fashion Design Council of India. This launch was supported by celebrity designer Rohit Bal (the council's president), Sunil Sethi and Sangram's fiancée, actress Payal Rohatgi.

Awards and recognition Sangram received the Man of Substance award on India Men Show which took place on 18 April 2019, at the Metropolitan Hotel, New Delhi. He is also the world peace brand ambassador of Wockhardt Group. He received the title Indian Affairs Indian of the year 2014 in Sports Leadership at the 5th Annual Indian Affairs, founded by Satya Brahma, at India Leadership Conclave & Indian Affairs Business Leadership Awards 2014. He gave a motivational talk to the students of IIT Delhi in February 2016 when he was invited to the institution as a guest of honour. Recently, a chapter on Sangram's life journey has been included in Hindi textbooks for children studying in the 7th standard. A scholarship in a university under Sangram Singh has been offered to students who come from modest families. Sangram was also appointed the brand ambassador for Haryana Kabaddi League, that was organised in Haryana in June 2016. Sangram was invited by the AYUSH ministry and the NDMC to Delhi as guest of honour to motivate youngsters on International Yoga Day 2016, by sharing his life story and talking about the benefits of yoga.

Personal life Sangram Singh hails from Rohtak, Haryana. He has a brother and a sister. Born in the village of Madina, Sangram fought rheumatoid arthritis and got up from the wheelchair to become a wrestler representing India. He also had a brief stint in Delhi Police. Sangram and actress Payal Rohatgi got engaged on 27 February 2014 at a ceremony in Payal's hometown Ahmedabad.

Singh started a fitness campaign to motivate people He has donated towards PM's relief fund and also working with an NGO.

Singh married actress Payal Rohatgi in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony on 9 July 2022 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Filmography Films

Television Year Name Role Notes 2012 Survivor India Contestant Jury 2013 Welcome – Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki Winner 2013 Bigg Boss 7 Finalist 2014 SuperCops vs Supervillains Inspector Sangram 2015 Nach Baliye 7 Along with Payal Rohatgi 2022 Lock Upp (season 1) Guest Senior World Wrestling Championship Host and Commentator Be A Champion with Sangram Singh Host and Narrator Jeetunga Main Host and Himself Hausalon Ki Udaan Host 100% De Dana Dan Himself Sacch Ka Saamna Himself Big Toss Himself Badi Door Se Aaye Hai Armaan Kumar Tau aur Bhau Host Simply Baatien with Raveena Himself HRX heroes Himself IRT India Himself Rio to Tokyo: Vision 2020 Host

Wrestling

Awards

Year Award Award by About the award 2010 Crown Award Young Men's Association of India Young Men's Association of India is an NGO headed by president Amit Swami who is a promoter of bodybuilding in India. The honour is presented for Sangram's achievements in wrestling.2010Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Ekta Samman All India national Unity conference (AINUC) Sangram Singh Presented for Achievements in various areas of life. 2012 Shiv Rajmudra Chhatrapati Award Indian Martial Art - Maharashtra Sangram Singh was awarded this award as Best Sports Person of 2012. 2012 World's Best Wrestler of 2012 WWP WWP is a Professional Wrestling Federation in South Africa. Sangram was selected for this award from World Wide Wrestlers in WWP.2014 Indian Affair India Leadership Conclave Award Prestige Media Outfit Sangram Singh among others shined at Asia's Biggest India Leadership Conclave Awards 2014 2014Top 30 under 30Hindustan Times Sangram Singh received this award as being young and inspiring youth who brought a good change in society and is notable in his respected field.2015National Achievements AwardsNewspapers association of India (NAI) Best Sportsperson of the year.2016 Best Sportsperson & TV personality Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Award This award was initiated by the nephew of the former President of India and an acclaimed NGO. 2018Bharat Gaurav AwardThe Bharat Gaurav award Foundation. Sangram Singh was felicitated with Bharat Gaurav Award for being a talented sports contributor to the Nation. 2019 Fighters Spirit of the Year 2019 Med Scape India Medscape India National Awards has been a successful endeavor of Medscape India since the last eight years. Sangram Singh has awarded for his contribution in the field of health care of India 2019Man of Substance awardBorn Of Web Sangram Singh receives Iconic Man of Substance Award for his dedication towards fitness and a healthy Lifestyle. 2019World Peace of MessengersWorld Peace and Diplomacy OrganisationSangram Singh receives this award for contributing his share towards the betterment of people globally. 2020 Change Maker Award 2020 Award by Yuva Unstoppable Sangram Singh was recognised as Changemaker at Yuva Unstoppable event in Delhi for the remarkable mission and work of Sangram Singh Foundation. 2020Dream Achiever awardFilms Today, Nana Nani Foundation Sangram Singh receives Dream Achievers Award for his unparalleled contribution towards society and was honoured by Governor of Maharashtra 2021 Maharashtra Jan Gaurav Purskar Shri Bhagatsingh Koshyariji Governor of Maharashtra Sangram Singh was awarded for Maharashtra Jan Gaurav Purskar Ceremony at Raj Bhavan by the hand Shri Bhagatsingh koshyariji governor of Maharashtra. 2022 Youth Icon Award Cinema Aaj Tak Sangram Singh was awarded Youth Icon Award by Cinema Aaj Tak -2022 2022Perfect Achiever awardPerfect Woman MagazineOn mens Day Sangram Singh receives Perfect Achievers Award for being the Best Real Life Power Couple of the Year 12023Times Leading Icons AwardTimes of IndiaIn category Sports & Fitness at Mumbai 2024Maharashtra Gaurav AwardMid-DayIn category of Sports at the 3rd Mid-Day Maharashtra Gaurav Awards ceremony 2025Crafting Bharat AwardCrafting Bharat InitiativeHonoured with the title "Fearless Victory Icon" for achievements in sports and public life