Indian Wrestler Reetika etched her name in the history books as she became the first-ever Indian woman to win a gold medal U-23 World Championships. The youngster defeated USA’s Kennedy Blades in the final of the 76kg category.
Reetika, who recently switched from 72kg to 76kg category was facing former U-20 World Champion Blades in the big final. The Indian went on to defeat the American 9-2 to become India’s first Woman U-23 World Champion.
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Entering into the final, Blades was a favourite. However Reetika used a gameplan of counter-offense to good effect. She started off with getting points by making her opponent step out of the mat.
The American however with a double-leg attack levelled the scores 2-2. Blades’ tried another attack but Reetika pushed Blades out one more time to lead 3-2 at the break.
Reetika continued to keep the pressure on Blades. The American tried for an attack but the Indian scored a takedown to extend her lead to 5-2.
From then on it was Reetika’s dominance as she scored another takedown. In the dying moments, she made her opponent step out once again and went on to clinch the gold medal.
It is to be noted that Reetika won the bronze medal at the Asian Championships in April this year. She was in action in the 72kg category back then.
Apart from Reetika, this edition of the championships saw Indian winning four more medals. Neha Sharma won silver in the 55kg after losing the final against Japan’s Umi Imai.
Meanwhile Nitika won bronze in the 57kg category. Naveen and Sagar Jaglan won bronze medals in the Men’s 74kg and 79kg respectively in the tournament.
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