Who is Reetika Hooda, The Indian Wrestler Competing in Women's Freestyle 76kg Event at Paris Olympics 2024?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Reetika Hooda is an accomplished Indian woman wrestler hailing from Haryana. She competes in freestyle wrestling and has made significant achievements in her sport, including winning medals at various international competitions.

Notably, she secured a bronze medal in the women's 72 kg event at the 2023 Ibrahim Moustafa Wrestling Ranking Series in Egypt and also at the Asian Wrestling Championships in 2023.

Reetika has qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 by earning a quota place at the 2024 Asian Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Her journey in wrestling began at the age of 13, and since then, she has dedicated herself to rigorous training and competition, aiming to represent India on the global stage.

Early Life and Education

Reetika Hooda was born in the Rohtak district of Haryana, India. She comes from a humble background; her father, Jagbir Singh, is a farmer, while her mother, Neelam, is a housewife.

Hailing from Haryana, Reetika Hooda grew up in an environment where societal norms often restricted girls to traditional roles. However, she received unwavering support from her family, particularly her father, who encouraged her to pursue sports despite facing criticism from their community.

Personal Life

Reetika excelled in sports during her school years and was later selected for national games. Her father recognized her potential and took her to the Chhotu Ram Stadium in Rohtak to secure a coach, marking the beginning of her wrestling journey.

Reetika has also been vocal about the challenges faced by girls in her community, advocating for better facilities and increased participation in sports.

Wrestling Career

Reetika has had a notable career in wrestling, marked by several significant accomplishments. She began her wrestling career in the 68 Kg category before transitioning to the 72 Kg category for two years. In preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, she moved to the 76 Kg category.

She has participated in various tournaments, achieving a silver medal at the 2023 Kaba Uulu Kozhomkul & Raatbek Sanatbaev Tournament and multiple bronze medals at prestigious events, including the Asian Wrestling Championships and the Ibrahim Moustafa Tournament.

Her competitive record showcases her resilience and skill, with victories over notable opponents. As of November 2023, she is recognized as India's first-ever female U23 Wrestling World Champion, further solidifying her status in the sport.