Reetika Hooda has emerged as a significant figure in Indian wrestling, representing the country as its last hope for a medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Competing in the women’s heavyweight category (76 kg), she made history by becoming the first Indian wrestler to qualify for this weight class at the Olympics.
Her journey to this point has been marked by remarkable achievements and a determination to excel on the world stage.
Early Life and Background
Hailing from Kharkda village in Haryana, Reetika Hooda was introduced to wrestling by her father, Jagbir Hooda, despite initially having a passion for sports in general.
Under her father’s guidance, she embraced wrestling and quickly began to make her mark in the sport.
Achievements and Milestones
Reetika’s wrestling prowess became evident when she made history at the 2023 U23 World Championships, where she defeated Kennedy Blades from the USA to become India’s first female world champion in the 76 kg category at the age level.
This victory not only showcased her talent but also set the stage for her Olympic aspirations.
In addition to her world championship title, Reetika has consistently performed well in various international competitions.
She secured a bronze medal at the Ibrahim Moustafa Wrestling Ranking Series in Egypt and at the Asian Wrestling Championships, further establishing herself as a formidable competitor.
Road to the Paris Olympics
Reetika’s journey to the Paris Olympics was marked by her determination to break new ground for Indian wrestling.
She successfully qualified for the Olympics at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers, defeating higher-ranked opponents such as Wang Juan and Chang Hui-tsz.
This achievement was particularly significant, as no Indian had previously earned an Olympics quota in the 76 kg division.
As the Olympics approached, Reetika expressed her ambition to win a gold medal, stating, “My target is to create a record at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the gold medal. Many Indian wrestlers have won bronze and silver medals, but no one has ever won a gold medal at the Olympics. I want to be the first one.”
Performance at the Paris Olympics
Reetika’s Olympic campaign began with a strong performance against Hungary’s Bernadett Nagy, where she dominated the match, winning with a score of 12-2.
Her victory in the Round of 16 showcased her skill and determination, propelling her into the quarterfinals.
