Reetika Hooda: India’s Final Hope for Wrestling Glory at Paris 2024

Indian wrestler Reetika Hooda is gearing up to compete at the Paris Olympics, and she’s carrying the hopes of the nation on her shoulders. As the last wrestler in the Indian team, she will face off against Bernadett Nagy from Hungary in her opening match.

The match is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, and it’s not going to be an easy one. Nagy is a seasoned competitor, having won two bronze medals at the European Championships.

Hooda is stepping up to the challenge in the women’s 76 kg freestyle category, a new weight class for her. If she defeats Nagy, she might go up against the tough No.1 seed, Aiperi Medet Kyzy from Kyrgyztan.

What’s remarkable about Reetika Hooda is that she is the first Indian wrestler to qualify for the heavyweight 76 kg division. It’s been an interesting journey for her, as she moved up from the 72 kg weight class last year.

The pressure of maintaining weight is something every athlete understands, and after a previous heartbreak at the Olympics, Hooda knows it well too. Unlike most wrestlers who need to cut weight, she has to ensure she stays above 76 kg.

“I just munch, train, munch, train and repeat. Of course, it’s healthy protein intake,” Hooda shared in a recent interview with PTI. She has had to adjust her eating habits significantly, which includes having three main meals a day, along with snacks in between.

Her nutritionist, Mitali, crafts her meal plan, while her mother makes sure she sticks to it. “I had to start eating chicken for protein intake, which was a bit tricky at first. But I’ve found a way to enjoy it now,” she said, highlighting the support from her family.

As the day of her match approaches, all eyes will be on Herd, cheering for her as she fights not just for herself but for the pride of her country.