Haryana’s Olympic medalist wrestler Deepak Punia is set to tie the knot today with Shivani, in a grand wedding ceremony in Bahadurgarh. The event has drawn invitations for several dignitaries from politics and the sports world.
How the Match Was Arranged
The union was arranged through family connections. Shivani, a resident of Nilothi, is the daughter of Anoop Singh, an old friend of Deepak’s father, Subhash Punia. The engagement took place on 28 September 2025, and wedding preparations have been underway since then. On Monday, a pre-wedding ceremony was organized at the Jhajjar district headquarters, attended by family members and several social representatives. The event was notable for its traditional feast, which included special churma and dishes prepared with five quintals of pure desi ghee.
About the Bride
Shivani has an impressive academic background. She completed her MA in English (Honours) from Jat College, Rohtak, and has also earned a BEd. She is currently preparing for an MEd and UPSC exams. Subhash Punia revealed that Deepak first met Shivani’s father, Anoop Singh, while going for practice at the akhara. Over multiple meetings, a friendship developed between the families. In 2020, when marriage proposals were considered, Subhash suggested formalizing the friendship into a marital alliance, which Anoop readily agreed to.
A Wedding Without Dowry
The families have confirmed that the wedding is being conducted without dowry, aiming to set a positive social example. The ceremonies have been planned on a large scale, with relatives and notable community members in attendance. Deepak has expressed his respect for family opinions, stating that everyone’s perspective was considered in choosing his life partner. The families hope that while Deepak continues to achieve sporting excellence for the country, Shivani will manage family responsibilities gracefully.
About Deepak Punia
Born on 19 May 1999 in Chhara village, Jhajjar, Deepak comes from a wrestling family. His father Subhash was a local wrestler, and Deepak began training at the akhara at just five years old. His childhood nickname “Ketli Pehalwan” originated from an amusing incident where he drank an entire kettle of milk.
Deepak represented India at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, narrowly missing a medal in the bronze category and finishing fifth. This setback was particularly emotional, as he had lost his mother just months before and wished to dedicate a medal to her. Undeterred, he went on to win gold at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a silver at the 2022 Asian Games, cementing his place in international wrestling.
Pausing Professional Wrestling for Marriage
Deepak, a freestyle wrestler competing in the 86 kg weight category, is also a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army. He won a silver medal at the 2019 World Championship and has competed in the Pro Wrestling League for Maharashtra with a base price of ₹12 lakh. However, he skipped the league this season to focus on his wedding.
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