NEW DELHI: Indian wrestler Reetika Hooda‘s quest for an Olympic medal concluded in the quarterfinal stage of the women’s 76 kg freestyle category at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.
Facing Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan, Hooda engaged in a tense, defensively-focused bout that saw both athletes prioritize point prevention over aggressive attacks.
The match remained deadlocked at 1-1 after the regulation six minutes, with each wrestler earning their solitary point through their opponent’s passivity.
India coach Virender Dahiya criticized Reetika Hooda’s overly defensive strategy in her Olympic quarterfinal, stating that a strong defense without offense can’t secure victories, adding, “You can’t win bouts by just defence. Yes, she fought well but what’s the point if your strong defence does not get you win. Reetika did not let her attack but she herself did not attack. You lose by one point, or 10 points, you lose. Reetika could have won this bout,” India coach Virender Dahiya said, as quoted by PTI.
As per wrestling regulations, Kyzy’s successful execution of the last equalizing manoeuvre granted her the victory, ending Hooda’s immediate medal hopes.
Facing Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan, Hooda engaged in a tense, defensively-focused bout that saw both athletes prioritize point prevention over aggressive attacks.
The match remained deadlocked at 1-1 after the regulation six minutes, with each wrestler earning their solitary point through their opponent’s passivity.
India coach Virender Dahiya criticized Reetika Hooda’s overly defensive strategy in her Olympic quarterfinal, stating that a strong defense without offense can’t secure victories, adding, “You can’t win bouts by just defence. Yes, she fought well but what’s the point if your strong defence does not get you win. Reetika did not let her attack but she herself did not attack. You lose by one point, or 10 points, you lose. Reetika could have won this bout,” India coach Virender Dahiya said, as quoted by PTI.
As per wrestling regulations, Kyzy’s successful execution of the last equalizing manoeuvre granted her the victory, ending Hooda’s immediate medal hopes.
Despite the quarterfinal defeat, Hooda’s Olympic journey might not be over. Should Kyzy advance to the final, Hooda will earn a place in the repechage round, offering a path to a bronze medal.
However, if Kyzy fails to reach the final, India’s campaign at the Paris Games will conclude with six medals, none of which are gold.
Hooda’s performance throughout the tournament showcased her wrestling prowess. In the pre-quarterfinals, she dominated Bernadett Nagy of Hungary, securing a convincing 12-2 victory that highlighted her technical skills and strategic acumen.
