Reetika Hooda goes down against Aiperi Medet Kyzy in Paris Olympics QF, crashes out in quarters
The Olympic journey of Indian wrestler Reetika Hooda hit a major roadblock on Saturday when she lost to World No. 1 Aiperi Medet Kyzy in the women’s freestyle 76 kg event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Reetika put in a spirited performance but could not bridge the difference in experience and class of the Kyrgyz wrestler. The loss came at the end of a hard-fought match where both wrestlers came out slugging their defensive strategies.
Overview of the Match
The contest began with Reetika active in her aggressive style, getting ahead 1-0 at the end of round one. It gave her the early impetus going into the contest where she would look to dominate an opponent with more experience than her. The two wrestlers tussled over six minutes with several defensive moves on each other, ending the bout tied at 1-1. However, Aiperi Medet Kyzy still won due to the competition rule of scoring a final equalizing point, ending the match 2-1 in her favor.
Despite this setback, Reetika still nurses a faint hope of making a comeback into contention. In case Aiperi Kyzy makes it to the final round, Reetika would get a chance to contest in the repechage round and hence get another shot at winning a medal in these games.
A Strong Start to the Campaign
Reetika Hooda’s campaign in the Olympics got off to a fine start as she displayed her class during the pre-quarterfinals. The 22-year-old grappler put up a sterling show against Bernadett Nagy of Hungary, a double medalist at the European Championship. Reetika dominated both rounds and won convincingly, 12-2, owing to technical superiority. This sound display in the bout served as a potential propeller into the quarterfinals as she sought to further this good run.
Tactical Approaches
That Reetika vs Aiperi Medet Kyzy was a tactical bout with neither of the wrestlers giving an inch. Although at the beginning, the Indian took control in that quarterfinal with her attacking moves, the defensive nature defined the subsequent rounds. In essence, both of them earned points due to passivity, indicating a key focus on strong defense while they wait for that one moment which would bring them the advantage. The result was a tense match favoring the more experienced Kyrgyz wrestler.
Future Prospects
With Reetika now waiting at the outcome of Aiperi Kyzy’s remaining bouts, the repechage round still gives her a lot to hope for. If Kyzy makes it to the final, Reetika will get another chance at an Olympic medal the crowning glory that, quite literally, her promising career needs.
Reetika’s very performance in the Paris Olympics is a sure indication that she is going to be an emerging star in Indian wrestling. The fact that she could compete at this level against the top-ranked opponents of the world speaks much for her skill and determination. At the same time, the journey may be difficult, but her resilience amidst adversities may itself lead her into future successes.
Conclusion
Though Reetika Hooda lost in the quarters to Aiperi Medet Kyzy, her campaign at the Paris Olympics is yet to be rounded off. The 22-year-old wrestler could well make her entry into the repechage round and prove her mettle at the Olympic stage. Reetika can walk out with her head high, knowing that she has shown the world her talent, as she reflects on her performance. The result of Kyzy’s remaining matches is going to be watched with bated breath by Indian wrestling fans who have hopes for Reetika to make it to the very end.
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