CARRYING FORWARD THE LEGACY
Sports Champ|December 2023
Meet Reetika Hooda, a rising star in Indian wrestling inspired by legends like the Phogat sisters and Sakshi Malik. Her recent victories in global and national championships mark a defining chapter in her burgeoning career
MILIND DHAMDHERE
CARRYING FORWARD THE LEGACY

In the heartland of Rohtak, a bastion of wrestling prowess, emerges a new force to reckon with—Reetika Hooda. Inspired by the legendary Phogat sisters and Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, Hooda’s meteoric rise in the wrestling arena has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her recent conquests at the world-level competition and the subsequent dominance at the national games have firmly cemented her place among the elite in Indian wrestling.

In an exclusive interview with Sports Champ Magazine, the 21-year-old prodigy shed light on her journey, aspirations, and global ambitions in wrestling.

U-23 World Championship

Her historic gold medal win at the under-23 World Championship in Tirana, Albania, marked a watershed moment, as she became the second Indian and the first Indian woman wrestler to seize this prestigious title. In the fiercely contested 76 kg category, Hooda outclassed former world junior champion Kennedy Blades, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination on the mat. Days later, she continued her winning streak at the National Games held in Panaji, adding yet another illustrious title to her name.

This story is from the December 2023 edition of Sports Champ.

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This story is from the December 2023 edition of Sports Champ.

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