Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya’s Olympic journey ended in heartbreak as she sustained a severe shoulder injury during her quarter-final match in the women’s 68 kg event against North Korea’s Pak Sol Gum.
Dahiya was leading the bout 8-1 but suffered the injury, which forced her to take medical timeouts. Despite her attempts to manage the pain and protect her lead, the 18-year-old Sol Gum capitalised on Dahiya’s condition and staged a comeback to win 10-8 and advance to the semi-finals.
Dahiya was visibly distressed after the match and was immediately taken for an MRI to assess the damage. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the injury, stating that Dahiya will be sidelined from further competition and her treatment will be determined following additional tests.
“Wrestler Nisha sustained a severe shoulder injury during her bout today. It required reduction and MRI. She has been ruled out of the competition. The course of her treatment will be planned after further tests are performed,” the IOA said.
Earlier in the day, Sol Gum was defeated by Amit Elor of the United States in the semi-finals, which eliminated Dahiya’s chance to compete for a bronze medal through the repechage round.
Dahiya’s journey at the Paris Olympics began with a notable victory in the round of 16, where she defeated Tetiana Sova 6-4. Despite trailing 4-1 after the first round, Dahiya rallied in the second round to secure her place in the quarter-finals on her Olympic debut.
Bharat’s wrestling team at the Paris Olympics includes six athletes. Two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat will compete in the women’s 50 kg category, having previously competed in 48 kg at the Rio 2016 Olympics and 53 kg at Tokyo 2020.
Antim Panghal, the Asian Games bronze medallist, will make her Olympic debut in the women’s 53 kg category. Anshu Malik (women’s 57 kg) and U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women’s 76 kg) are also debuting in the Olympics. Aman Sehrawat, Bharat’s sole representative in men’s wrestling, will compete in the men’s 57 kg freestyle.
Bharat has won seven Olympic wrestling medals to date: two silver and five bronze.
