Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya’s journey at the Paris Olympics took a tragic turn during her quarterfinal bout against North Korea’s Pak Sol Gum in the women’s 68 kg freestyle category. Nisha was leading 8-1 with just over 90 seconds remaining when she sustained a severe injury to her right hand. The injury significantly impacted her performance, causing her to lose strength and allowing her opponent to score nine consecutive points to secure a 10-8 victory.
The dramatic turnaround occurred after a medical break, where Nisha was visibly in agony. With the score tied at 8-8 and only 10 seconds left, Nisha was unable to continue effectively, eventually succumbing to the pain, tears and losing the bout.
Her emotional state after the match underscored the severity of her condition, leaving her participation in the repechage round uncertain.
Nisha Dahiya: Strong start marred by injury
Earlier in the day, Nisha Dahiya had a strong start to her Olympic campaign, winning her opening bout against Ukraine’s Sova Rizhko 6-4. The Asian Championships silver medallist showcased her skills and determination, navigating her initial match with confidence. As India’s sole representative in the heavyweight category, Nisha showed promise before her unfortunate injury in the quarterfinals.
Teenager Sol Gum Pak proved to be a formidable opponent, and Nisha’s right shoulder injury during a takedown allowed Pak to continue scoring points until securing the winning takedown with just 8 seconds left. If not for the injury, Nisha would have likely cruised into the semi-final to face Amit Elor of the USA. And it wouldn’t have come as a surprise if Nisha had entered the final after defeating the American.
While there remains a possibility for Nisha to compete in the repechage round if Pak reaches the final, her ability to participate is uncertain due to her injury.
India’s Wrestling Contingent at Paris 2024
A total of six Indian wrestlers are competing at the Paris Olympics from August 5 to 11. Two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat will compete in the women’s 50 kg category, having previously wrestled in the 48 kg category in Rio 2016 and the 53 kg category in Tokyo 2020. Antim Panghal, who won a bronze medal at the Asian Games last year, will make her Olympic debut in the women’s 53 kg category. Panghal secured her Olympic quota with a bronze medal at the World Championships last year.
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Anshu Malik will compete in the women’s 57 kg category, while U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda will represent India in the women’s 76 kg category, both making their Olympic debuts. Aman Sehrawat, an Asian Games bronze medallist, will be India’s sole representative in men’s freestyle wrestling, competing in the 57 kg category.
India’s Olympic Wrestling Legacy
India has previously secured seven wrestling medals at the Olympics, including two silver and five bronze. The current contingent, despite facing challenges, aims to add to this tally and bring glory to the nation. The wrestlers representing India at Paris 2024 are:
- Men’s Freestyle: Aman Sehrawat – 57 kg
- Women’s Freestyle:
- Vinesh Phogat – 50 kg
- Antim Panghal – 53 kg
- Anshu Malik – 57 kg
- Nisha Dahiya – 68 kg
- Reetika Hooda – 76 kg
The wrestling community and fans alike will be hoping for Nisha Dahiya’s swift recovery and the overall success of the Indian wrestling team at the Paris Olympics.
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