Indian wrestler Reetika Hooda’s Olympic dream ended in disappointment as she missed out on a chance to compete for bronze at the Paris 2024 Games. Despite a promising start, Hooda was eliminated after failing to advance from the repechage round, while Aman Sehrawat’s bronze medal victory provided a silver lining for Indian wrestling.
Key Points:
- Reetika Hooda’s Disappointment:
- Reetika Hooda’s campaign in the women’s 76kg freestyle wrestling event ended abruptly when she was denied a spot in the repechage round. After a strong start, Hooda lost to top-seed Aiperi Medet Kyzy in the quarterfinals.
- Hooda’s hopes for a bronze medal hinged on Kyzy advancing to the finals. However, when Kyzy lost to Kennedy Blades in the semifinals, Hooda’s chance to compete for bronze was lost.
- Historic Achievement:
- Hooda made history as the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympics in heavyweight wrestling. Her initial victory over Hungary’s Bernadett Nagy by technical superiority showcased her potential. Despite the setback, Hooda’s participation marked a significant milestone for Indian wrestling.
- Aman Sehrawat’s Success:
- In contrast to Hooda’s exit, Aman Sehrawat achieved a significant victory by securing a bronze medal in wrestling. Sehrawat’s decisive 13-5 win over Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz brought India its first wrestling medal at the Paris Olympics, adding to the country’s total medal count.
- Impact on Indian Wrestling:
- Although Hooda’s journey ended in disappointment, her participation underscored the progress of Indian wrestling on the global stage. Sehrawat’s success provides a hopeful note and highlights the growing strength of Indian wrestlers.
- Olympic Medal Count:
- With Sehrawat’s bronze, India’s medal tally at the Paris Olympics stands at six, just one shy of the seven medals won at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Summary:
Reetika Hooda’s Olympic campaign ended without a bronze medal, but her historic achievement as the first Indian woman to compete in heavyweight wrestling remains a significant milestone. Meanwhile, Aman Sehrawat’s bronze medal win offers a positive conclusion for Indian wrestling at the Paris 2024 Games, reflecting both the challenges and successes of the Indian athletes.
