Puja “Cyclone”Tomar

Puja Tomar is a prominent figure in the sphere of Mixed Martial Arts in India, and this is a narrative about her life and her journey in the field of sports. Existing not just as an athlete, but a distinguished one at that, she has made her country proud on various national and international platforms.

Born on November 25, 1995, in the historic city of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Puja was once a common Indian girl with extraordinary ambitions. Encouraged and nurtured by her parents, late Ramkumar Tomar and Babita Tomar, she began her voyage in martial arts at the tender age of six. This household, though conventional, was bound by love and the aspirations of a future that their children could excel in. Puja has two elder sisters, Anjali Tomar, a dedicated nurse, and Anu Tomar, a diligent doctor. Babita Tomar, a homemaker, has been a pillar of support in the family, drawing strength from her late husband and transferring it to her daughters.

The exposure to Wushu at an early age provided a platform for Puja to express herself. With her unparalleled commitment and relentless practice, she began to win many titles in both national and international spheres. One of her earliest achievements was clinching the title at the National Wushu Championship, a feat she successfully achieved five times. She showed her prowess in martial arts by earning a spot to represent India at the World Wushu Championship 2015, which took place at Jakarta, Indonesia.

Beyond just Wushu, Puja demonstrated her versatility as she trained and honed her skills in other martial arts disciplines. Her background in Karate and Taekwondo has additionally awarded her numerous medals, showcasing her talents and love for martial arts. Amidst these achievements, Puja became one of the most renowned faces in Indian Mixed Martial Arts, witnessing her infamy rise with every competition and tournament.

In August 2017, Puja set her eyes on a new endeavor – a foray into mixed martial arts. She made the decision to sign with ONE Championship, marking the commencement of her journey in mixed martial arts. She made her much-anticipated debut at ONE Championship: A New Tomorrow in November 2019 against Muay Thai champion Stamp Fairtex. While she may have lost this fight by TKO at 4:27, she handled her defeat with tremendous grace and determination, vowing to come back stronger.

Puja’s journey took a historical turn when she became one amongst only three from the country to land a contract with the world-renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Even more notable was the fact that she was the first Indian woman to achieve such a feat. She now proudly competes in the Strawweight division of UFC, furthering Indian dominance in the world of martial arts.

Through her perseverance and dedication, Puja Tomar, the little girl from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has become the face of Indian Mixed Martial Arts. Her story speaks volumes of her resilience and her determination to make her country proud. In every victory and every loss, she carries the dreams and aspirations of millions of Indian girls and athletes who yearn to follow in her footsteps. Her journey is a testament to her spirit and her commitment to her sport.