Reetika Hooda’s Golden Dream: India’s Final Hope at the Paris 2024 Olympics
10.08.2024: Reetika Hooda has set her sights on making history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she aims to win India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in wrestling. With the entire nation rallying behind her, Reetika’s journey has become a symbol of hope and determination.
Reetika’s Bold Ambition
Before departing for Paris, Reetika Hooda spoke with confidence and ambition. She declared her goal to win the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, something no Indian wrestler has achieved before. “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,” Reetika stated.
A Nation’s Hopes Rest on Reetika
As the Games have progressed, Reetika now stands as India’s last chance for an elusive gold medal. Out of the 117 athletes representing India at the Paris Olympics, the nation has secured six medals—five bronze and one silver, with the latter claimed by Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. Now, all eyes are on Reetika as she prepares to compete in the women’s 76kg wrestling category.
The Road to Glory
Reetika’s path to Olympic gold is far from easy. Her first challenge will be against Hungary’s Bernadett Nagy, a two-time European Championships medallist ranked 16th in the world. Should Reetika overcome this formidable opponent, she could face the top-ranked Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan, a two-time World Championships medallist.
Despite the tough competition, Reetika is no stranger to defying the odds. Before heading to Paris, she wasn’t considered a prime medal contender. However, she stunned everyone by winning the gold medal at the 2023 U-23 World Wrestling Championships, defeating top-ranked opponents along the way. This victory made her the first Indian to win a gold medal at the U-23 World Championships.
Overcoming Challenges
At the Asian Olympic Qualifiers, Reetika once again exceeded expectations by defeating higher-ranked opponents like Wang Juan and Chang Hui-tsz, securing her spot in Paris. Her remarkable journey from being an underdog to a serious contender has captured the imagination of sports fans across the country.
Rooted in Determination
Reetika’s wrestling journey began in Haryana’s Kharkda village, where she was initially drawn to sports but not wrestling. It was her father, Jagbir Hooda, who encouraged her to take up the sport. Listening to her father’s advice has paid off, as Reetika now stands on the brink of making history.
As Reetika Hooda prepares to take on the world’s best at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she carries the hopes and dreams of an entire nation. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that she can bring home India’s first-ever Olympic gold in wrestling.