Reetika Hooda has made history by winning the gold medal in the women’s 76kg category at the World Military Championships, becoming the second Indian woman to achieve this feat after Jyoti Sihag. This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s wrestling and highlights the growing strength of the sport in the country.
Reetika Hooda’s Historic Achievement
Reetika’s gold medal win follows Jyoti Sihag’s triumph in the 55kg category just a day earlier. This back-to-back success signifies the hard work and dedication of Indian female wrestlers. Reetika’s victory is particularly noteworthy as it comes after her heart-wrenching exit at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she narrowly missed out on a medal.
Journey to Success
Reetika Hooda, hailing from Rohtak, Haryana, has been a standout performer in the wrestling world. She has consistently delivered strong performances, including winning gold at the U23 World Championships in 2023 and earning a quota place for India at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Her resilience and determination have been key factors in her success.
Dum hai, toh naam hain! ✨#RFAthlete Reetika Hooda grabbed🥇 in the Women’s 76Kg Freestyle Wrestling at the CISM World Military Championships. 💥💪🏼@ril_foundation | #RelianceFoundation #RFSports #LetsPlay #Wrestling pic.twitter.com/ElW7v3fE5K
— RF Youth Sports (@RFYouthSports) November 23, 2024
The inclusion of women in the armed forces and their participation in events like the World Military Championships is a significant step towards promoting gender equality in sports and the military. Reetika’s and Jyoti’s achievements signal a new era of opportunities and success for Indian women in wrestling. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Reetika will be looking to add to her medal tally and make her mark on the global stage.
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