Indian wrestler Reetika Hooda fought valiantly but faced a narrow defeat in the Women’s 76kg freestyle wrestling quarter-final at the Paris Olympics. On August 10, she went head-to-head with Kyrgyzstan’s top-seeded Medet Kyzy Aiperi in a gripping battle.
Disappointing outcome for Reetika Hooda
22-year-old Reetika stormed into her quarter-final bout on top of some brilliant attacking and defensive combinations against Hungary’s Bernadett Nagy in their Round of 16 clash earlier in the same day. There was hardly anything left to separate Aiperi and Reetika in the high-value quarter-final clash on Saturday, which had both wrestlers depending mostly on their defensive skills, with sudden bursts of attacks for points.
Reetika and Aiperi displayed grit and panache, with both wrestlers relying on their defensive skills and launching sudden attacks for points. The contest was incredibly close, with thin margins of technicality separating them.
Reetika secured an initial point via passivity, showcasing strong defensive work. Aiperi fought back, and the round ended with both wrestlers evenly matched.
Intense action ensued as Aiperi unleashed her attacking game. The Kyrgyz wrestler levelled the points using a similar passivity rule. Strength and cunning defensive approaches left both athletes visibly exhausted.
Despite this loss, Reetika’s journey isn’t over. If Aiperi reaches the category final, Reetika will have a chance to compete for the bronze medal in the repechage.
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