At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Reetika Hooda narrowly lost to top-seeded Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan in the quarterfinals of the women’s 76kg freestyle wrestling event on Saturday. The match ended in a 1-1 tie, with the victory awarded to Kyzy based on having scored the last equalizing point, as per the competition rules.
The bout was marked by strategic defensive wrestling from both competitors, with each wrestler scoring a single point through passivity during the two periods.
Despite the setback, Reetika Hooda’s quest for a bronze medal remains alive. She will have another opportunity if Aiperi Medet Kyzy advances to the final, which would allow Hooda to compete in the repechage round for a chance at the podium.
Should Hooda fail to secure the bronze, India’s campaign at the Paris Games will conclude with six medals but without a gold.
Earlier in the tournament, Reetika Hooda demonstrated impressive skill and strength in her match against Bernadett Nagy of Hungary, winning decisively with a score of 12-2. Hooda had built a commanding 4-0 lead in the first round with an early leg-hold and a successful flip, maintaining her dominance throughout the bout.
On a positive note for Bharat, Aman Sehrawat clinched a bronze medal in the 57kg freestyle wrestling event on Friday, defeating Puerto Rico’s Darian Cruz 13-5. This achievement marked Sehrawat’s first Olympic medal and made him the seventh Indian wrestler to win an Olympic medal.
