Ritika Hooda Makes History as India's First 76kg Olympic Wrestler

Ritika Hooda, a 22-year-old wrestler from Rohtak, Haryana, has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to qualify for the 76kg weight category in wrestling at the Olympics. Her journey to the Paris Olympics, set to begin in August 2024, is a tale of determination and family support that has caught the attention of The Haryana Story and sports fans across India.

Hooda began wrestling in 2015, never imagining she would one day compete at the Olympic level. Her path to success was not easy. In 2022, she faced a major setback when she failed to qualify for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Discouraged by these losses, Hooda considered quitting the sport altogether. However, her parents, Jagbir and Neelam Hooda, refused to let her give up. They encouraged her to continue training, promising to support her in every way possible. Their faith in her abilities gave Hooda the strength to persevere.

With renewed determination, Hooda intensified her training regimen. She now practices for about seven hours each day, focusing not just on physical strength but also on speed and smart work. Her coach, Mandeep, has been instrumental in honing her skills on the mat.

Hooda's hard work paid off when she won gold at the Under-23 World Championship in Tirana, Albania, in December 2023. This victory made her the first Indian woman to achieve this feat, boosting her confidence and Olympic prospects. As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Hooda has a clear strategy in mind. She plans to approach each match with a fresh mindset, refusing to let pressure overwhelm her. "I will play freely and give my best performance," she says, emphasizing her goal to bring home a gold medal for India.

Her mother, Neelam Hooda, expresses pride in her daughter's achievements and hopes for Olympic gold. She acknowledges the financial struggles the family faced to support Ritika's wrestling career but believes their sacrifices have been worthwhile.

Ritika Hooda's story, as highlighted by The Haryana Story, is an inspiration to young athletes across India. It shows how perseverance, family support, and hard work can turn Olympic dreams into reality. As she heads to Paris, Hooda carries not just her own hopes but the dreams of millions of Indians eager to see her succeed on the world's biggest sporting stage.