Sonika Kaliraman
Sonika Kaliraman is the first Indian woman wrestler to win the title of Bharat Kesri in Bharat Kesri Dangal in 2001.[1] She was a contestant on the popular reality show Bigg Boss in 2011.
Sonika Kaliraman | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Sonika Kaliraman at Golden Temple | |
| Born | 11 June 1983 (age 37) Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Sportswoman (Wrestler) |
| Known for | Wrestling |
Notable work | First Indian Woman Wrestler Bharat Kesari |
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) |
| Title | First Indian Woman Wrestler |
| Parent(s) | Chandgi Ram (Father) |
| Family | Jagdish Kaliraman Laxmi Kaliraman (Sister) Om kaliraman , Hanumante Kaliraman (Brother) Deepika Kaliraman (Sister) |
| Website | sonikakaliraman |
Personal life
Kaliraman is daughter of former wrestler Chandgi Ram (Master Chadgiram). She was trained by her father who always dreamt of his four daughters becoming wrestlers. He even had to fight against social norms and with the Indian Wrestling Foundation for many years.[2][1]
Her brother Jagdish Kaliraman is also a wrestler.[1] She married US-based businessman, Siddharth Malik.[2]
Kaliraman alleged that in 1998-99 when she travelled to Poland as part of a junior sub-team, she was sexually harassed by the coach there. She complained to her father as well as the WFI president GS Mander. However, GS Mander refuted these statements and also said that he will file a defamation suit against her.[3]
Career
Kaliraman is one of 200 Indian women who wrestle professionally. She is also one of the 50 Indian women who represented India internationally.[2] She won a gold medal at the Asian Women Wrestling Championship in 2000.
In August 2009, she participated in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (season 2) and participated in Bigg Boss 5.[4]
She demanded Open Trials for selection into the National Squad after she was dropped.[5][6]
Television
| Year | Shows | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 2 | Contestant | Colors | |
| 2011 | Bigg Boss 5 | Celebrity Contestant | Colors TV | Evicted Week 7, Day 49 |
References
- "Haryana men wrestle social norms to train their daughters - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
- "Indian woman wrestler overcomes fear factor". 17 December 2009 – via bbc.co.uk.
- "Women wrestlers and WFI unite against Sonika, refute charges - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
- "Bigg Boss Season 5 : Housemates of 2011". biggboss.org.
- "Woman wrestler cries foul over Games selections".
- "Wrestler Sonika leads the fight for open trials".