Top 5 unsung heroes of Indian sports in 2017

2. Ritu Phogat

Ritu Phogat with the silver medal

It's ironic that India wails of wrestlers failing to make it big at the international stage, and when they really do, they conveniently choose to ignore the feats.

Such is the story of Ritu Phogat, who hails from the famous Phogat clan, immortalised by the Aamir Khan starred biopic 'Dangal'. The third daughter of Mahavir Singh Phogat, Ritu made both her family and India proud when she stormed into the finals of the U23 World Wrestling Championships in the 48 kg category.

This is extremely unique, since this is not only India's first medal in the female category of these championships, but also a medal higher in value that of both Geeta and Babita Phogat, who managed to win the bronze medals in the senior category in 2012.

Sadly, despite the Phogat clan being in the limelight, Ritu is yet to get her due for this medal, being the only Indian woman to join the ranks of Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt and Ramesh Gulia, who have won the gold medals in the U16 World Junior [Cadet] Championships.