What do you think?
Rate this book
Akhada: The Authorized Biography of Mahavir Singh Phogat
The inspiring life story of one of India's greatest wrestling coaches.
In 2000, after the Olympic Games closed with much fanfare in Sydney, legendary wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat watched, dejected and heartbroken, as the prize reserved by his state government for winners of Olympic medals in wrestling was left unclaimed. Determined to never see this instance repeated, Phogat decided to do the unthinkable. Much to his neighbours’ curiosity he spent two days digging a pit in his courtyard and asked his young daughters and nieces to join him there at the break of dawn one day. Little did they know that this unusual command from him would change their lives forever.
Yet, each of their wins in the ring, every ambition he had for them, came at great personal cost. In the small village of Balali in Haryana, a state infamous for its practice of female foeticide and low literacy rates, Phogat had to battle not just deep social stigma and an apathetic government, but also a disapproving family and personal tragedy, to train the girls in his sport. Due to his efforts, the girls have all gone on to win medals and acclaim at the national and international levels, including at the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
Akhada tells the remarkable story of a man of tremendous fortitude, of a father who fought against all odds to give his daughters a future they could not have dreamed for themselves.
In 2000, after the Olympic Games closed with much fanfare in Sydney, legendary wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat watched, dejected and heartbroken, as the prize reserved by his state government for winners of Olympic medals in wrestling was left unclaimed. Determined to never see this instance repeated, Phogat decided to do the unthinkable. Much to his neighbours’ curiosity he spent two days digging a pit in his courtyard and asked his young daughters and nieces to join him there at the break of dawn one day. Little did they know that this unusual command from him would change their lives forever.
Yet, each of their wins in the ring, every ambition he had for them, came at great personal cost. In the small village of Balali in Haryana, a state infamous for its practice of female foeticide and low literacy rates, Phogat had to battle not just deep social stigma and an apathetic government, but also a disapproving family and personal tragedy, to train the girls in his sport. Due to his efforts, the girls have all gone on to win medals and acclaim at the national and international levels, including at the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
Akhada tells the remarkable story of a man of tremendous fortitude, of a father who fought against all odds to give his daughters a future they could not have dreamed for themselves.
232 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2016
25 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 31, 2016
'It was one of the greatest moment of my life,' Mahavir smiles proudly. 'I was speechless watching with awe the sea of humanity waiting for us. Even today, the moment is etched in my mind. It was such an amazing experience that words cannot do it justice - one has to live it to really appreciate it. Before the Commonwealth Games, Geeta and Babita were recognized as my daughters, but after the Games , people started recognizing me as the father of Phogat sisters. It felt like a gift from God.'
July 9, 2017
It's a inspirational book... it shows that always strong financial background in not the only factor for a achievement of a successful person... determination is also much important
April 18, 2019
3.5 Stars!
The story of Mahavir Singh Phogat became widespread public knowledge when Indian actor, Aamir Khan, starred as the wrestling coach in a dramatized biopic of the man who forever altered women's wrestling in India. Phogat's official biography, penned by Saurabh Duggal, was released a few days prior to the film.
The film in question, Dangal, was another in a string of dramatized biopics that have been released in the past few years. Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra as Olympic champ Mary Kom, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, starring Farhan Akhtar as Milkha 'The Flying Sikh' Singh were two more that became huge successes. Compared to the actual stories of Mary Kom (Unbreakable, which I'd read the night before I saw the film) and Milkha Singh (The Race of My Life, which I read a little after watching the film), the movies downright sucked (Sorry, not sorry!).
So when I watched Dangal, I decided to let some time pass before I read the real story. And one thing I can say for sure now that I have read it is that the movie wasn't bad, but it's more of an entertainer, because it does almost no justice to the crazy, inspirational, and often tragic life that Phogat actually led - a life that made him the man, father, and coach that gave India some of her best wrestlers. Here's my review of Saurabh Duggal's Akhada: The Authorized Biography of Mahavir Singh Phogat.
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography
Length: 232 Pages
Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
Primary Element: 8 out of 10 for its raw-ness and simple but impactful storytelling
Writing Style: 8 out of 10
Highlighted Takeaway:
This isn't a dramatized version of the story of a man who changed the society he lived in, but a very real look into it. And that is what makes it so good - the story had to only be told to be inspirational, it didn't have to be embellished to be made so.
What I Liked:
The way the author showcases all the strengths of Mahavir Singh Phogat, but does not shy away from showcasing his weaknesses too, making it truly reflective of the wrestling coach.
The way the author describes the social and economic circumstances of the region for what it is, without turning it into a social justice gimmick, and consequently displaying its grim reality as well as cautious hope.
What I Didn’t Like:
The book isn't sequential. Given the sheer number of events mentioned in the book, it makes it a little difficult to identify and follow the timeline, which takes away some of the effect of a life led full of struggles and achievements.
Who Should Read It:
Anyone interested in sports and autobiographies/biographies.
Who Should Avoid:
I don't think anyone would dislike this book or the story it tells. Even if you aren't interested in sports, it's worth a read, if only for the inspirational tale it tells.
Read It For:
A look at the real struggles of real people, and the proof that greatness can come from the most unexpected of places - you just need one person to see potential. This is the story that changed the face of Indian wrestling in an unprecedented manner and has also changed the deeprooted beliefs of a system that wasn't necessarily working. More than a tale, it's history that shaped a different present and future and, as such, should be more known.
The story of Mahavir Singh Phogat became widespread public knowledge when Indian actor, Aamir Khan, starred as the wrestling coach in a dramatized biopic of the man who forever altered women's wrestling in India. Phogat's official biography, penned by Saurabh Duggal, was released a few days prior to the film.
The film in question, Dangal, was another in a string of dramatized biopics that have been released in the past few years. Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra as Olympic champ Mary Kom, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, starring Farhan Akhtar as Milkha 'The Flying Sikh' Singh were two more that became huge successes. Compared to the actual stories of Mary Kom (Unbreakable, which I'd read the night before I saw the film) and Milkha Singh (The Race of My Life, which I read a little after watching the film), the movies downright sucked (Sorry, not sorry!).
So when I watched Dangal, I decided to let some time pass before I read the real story. And one thing I can say for sure now that I have read it is that the movie wasn't bad, but it's more of an entertainer, because it does almost no justice to the crazy, inspirational, and often tragic life that Phogat actually led - a life that made him the man, father, and coach that gave India some of her best wrestlers. Here's my review of Saurabh Duggal's Akhada: The Authorized Biography of Mahavir Singh Phogat.
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography
Length: 232 Pages
Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
Primary Element: 8 out of 10 for its raw-ness and simple but impactful storytelling
Writing Style: 8 out of 10
Highlighted Takeaway:
This isn't a dramatized version of the story of a man who changed the society he lived in, but a very real look into it. And that is what makes it so good - the story had to only be told to be inspirational, it didn't have to be embellished to be made so.
What I Liked:
The way the author showcases all the strengths of Mahavir Singh Phogat, but does not shy away from showcasing his weaknesses too, making it truly reflective of the wrestling coach.
The way the author describes the social and economic circumstances of the region for what it is, without turning it into a social justice gimmick, and consequently displaying its grim reality as well as cautious hope.
What I Didn’t Like:
The book isn't sequential. Given the sheer number of events mentioned in the book, it makes it a little difficult to identify and follow the timeline, which takes away some of the effect of a life led full of struggles and achievements.
Who Should Read It:
Anyone interested in sports and autobiographies/biographies.
Who Should Avoid:
I don't think anyone would dislike this book or the story it tells. Even if you aren't interested in sports, it's worth a read, if only for the inspirational tale it tells.
Read It For:
A look at the real struggles of real people, and the proof that greatness can come from the most unexpected of places - you just need one person to see potential. This is the story that changed the face of Indian wrestling in an unprecedented manner and has also changed the deeprooted beliefs of a system that wasn't necessarily working. More than a tale, it's history that shaped a different present and future and, as such, should be more known.
May 4, 2017
This is a biography of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his family, Dangal movie is based upon their story. Read this book, especially if you've seen and liked the movie. There are a lot of things in the book which are not there in the movie. Dangal, a good movie, but suffers from overdramatizing the story in the second half. I believe the book is more closer to the reality than the movie. It's a good biography, language is simple and the story is told without trying to make it emotional, dramatic or complicated.
Good, inspiring and interesting book. Easy pick towards the reading challenge.
Good, inspiring and interesting book. Easy pick towards the reading challenge.
July 1, 2018
It is an inspirational story of a man who raised his daughters achievement incredible feat at Olympic sports. I think this story could have written in much better than what the author has done in this book.
September 14, 2022
Since Dangal has already covered most of inspiration story, this book provides early life of Mahavir and his family details.
Good to read.
Note: Saurabh Duggal is my college super senior too :)
Good to read.
Note: Saurabh Duggal is my college super senior too :)
December 1, 2017
Amazing story of hard work, single-minded focus and perseverance. Written in a very simple English, the book’s message is simple - anything is possible; if you want to make it possible
April 17, 2018
A very interesting and inspiring read. It brings forth the background picture of the success of the Phogat sisters.
March 23, 2017
Story of a ordinary man in making his daughter's extraordinary. A must read..
March 12, 2017
A true story about a father who encourages and coaches his daughters and nieces to break all boundaries set for women.Very unlike the movie which is quite filmy, this book is all about the hard work and toil that goes into making an international athlete.
A Dronacharya who helped create 3 Arjuna award winners in wrestling and all from one family. Truly inspiring!
A Dronacharya who helped create 3 Arjuna award winners in wrestling and all from one family. Truly inspiring!
March 8, 2017
Saurabh Duggal's book based on the life of the Phogat sisters and their father/coach is a clear and detailed representation of the determination and passion of a man, which brought women's wrestling into the spotlight in India. Mr. Phogat's hard work in the span of his life has been translated effectively in the book. The writer has kept a good balance between the portrayal of multiple protagonists while telling the story. A must read if you wish to know the real story behind Dangal. And as always, the book is much better than the movie.
February 19, 2017
Impressive
February 13, 2017
Nice overview of life of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters during the early years, when he trained them to become world champions. The writing by Saurabh Duggal is smooth and easy to follow, and achieves the objective of making Mahavir's story known to the readers. Overall a good weekend read.
February 11, 2017
Lots of things which we were not able to know is nicely explained in this book.hardwork of a coach and the sisters .Big Salute!
February 7, 2017
The sheer inspirational nature of the story keeps the reader moderately interested. However, the narrative comes across as bland and utterly unremarkable. It serves more as a simple chronicle of events rather than a story of sweat and blood. That said, the book is indeed commendable in that it does not resort to hero worship and does bring out some of the flaws in Mahavir Phogat's otherwise stirring tale - something that 'Dangal' fails to do.
February 10, 2017
If you watched the film, 'Dangal' and thought it was inspirational then this book is a MUST read.
Mahavir Phogat is truly a great human being, who didn't care about what his community and others thought but plowed ahead with the sole ambition of training his daughters and nieces to represent India in a male-dominated sport and own it!
With no help, financial or otherwise, he dedicated his entire savings and life towards training his wards who in return showered their Gurus with medals.
Mahavir Phogat is truly a great human being, who didn't care about what his community and others thought but plowed ahead with the sole ambition of training his daughters and nieces to represent India in a male-dominated sport and own it!
With no help, financial or otherwise, he dedicated his entire savings and life towards training his wards who in return showered their Gurus with medals.
February 6, 2017
I had not much expectation from book after seeing Dangal.
However the book gives a more vivid picture of the father and also socio-economic fabric of late 1990s. It not only covers the time till Commonwealth games but captures the journey of other two daughters and how new fond riches have had no impact on father or daughters
Kindle edition was available for INR39 and it was truly worth every penny.
However the book gives a more vivid picture of the father and also socio-economic fabric of late 1990s. It not only covers the time till Commonwealth games but captures the journey of other two daughters and how new fond riches have had no impact on father or daughters
Kindle edition was available for INR39 and it was truly worth every penny.
December 26, 2016
Hell lot of dramatization done by Nitish Tiwari in "Dangal". Except for training start part and bias towards girls, there is utter difference in what is presented in this book and the movie. Nevertheless a decent one time read to understand the realities and difficulties of training girls in a highly patriarchal society. Had the author worked on personal aspects of Mahavir through his childhood, teenage and further stages with higher detailing, it would have been a priceless book to keep.
February 1, 2017
Trulyan amazing story of grit and determination. A must read.
The story serves as an ispiration proving that nothing is impossible. One man's vision to achieve the impossible helped the country win awards at a global level. More importantly it changed the mindset towards women.
The story serves as an ispiration proving that nothing is impossible. One man's vision to achieve the impossible helped the country win awards at a global level. More importantly it changed the mindset towards women.
January 10, 2017
more than Dangal.... Great work by saurabh duggal to bring out the real story of Phogat Family. movie was just 20% of what legend the family owns....
January 15, 2017
An inspirational story. A badly written book.
Narrative is very dry and the book does not even remotely do justice to the immense inspirational efforts of Mahavir Phogat.
Avoidable.
Narrative is very dry and the book does not even remotely do justice to the immense inspirational efforts of Mahavir Phogat.
Avoidable.
April 7, 2017
This is infinitely better than the movie Dangal. It gives more vivid picture of whole efforts of Phogat family.
Lot of things which we don't know are explained in this book.
This is a story of a man who dedicated his whole life to train his girls in wrestling with dream of achieving gold medal in Olympics.
Inspirational Read..!!
Lot of things which we don't know are explained in this book.
This is a story of a man who dedicated his whole life to train his girls in wrestling with dream of achieving gold medal in Olympics.
Inspirational Read..!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews