Puja “The Cyclone” Tomar

Status: Former ONE Athlete

Multiple-time Indian National Wushu Champion Puja Tomar had a tragically impoverished upbringing, after her father passed away when she was just 7 years old. She had little time for school, as she had to help her mother and two sisters with farming to support the family.

To help pay the bills, Tomar began training in wushu, hoping to one day be able to earn a living through martial arts. She proved to be incredibly talented, and was crowned the India national wushu champion for four years running, even representing India in the Wushu World Championships. She decided to start competing in the cage in 2013 because of the opportunities it held, and started her career with two lightning-fast knockout wins.

Tomar lives in a dormitory in Bhopal with other national athletes, and has dedicated herself completely to her craft. She says it is hard to earn respect as a female athlete in India, but her mother continuously inspires her to never give up, and prove herself with the huge opportunity presented to her by ONE Championship on the global stage.