Reetika Hooda is the first Indian wrestler to qualify in the heavyweight 76 kg category. “Munch, train, munch, train, and repeat” sums up Hooda’s daily life as she strives to maintain her weight above 76 kg.
Wrestler Reetika Hooda stands as India’s last contender for another wrestling medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. She represents the final hope among the six wrestlers in the Indian contingent. On Saturday, Hooda will face off against Hungary’s Bernadett Nagy, a two-time European Championship bronze medallist, in her opening round.
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The highly anticipated match is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Meanwhile, golfer Aditi Ashok will also be vying for a medal today, though she’ll need an exceptional performance to secure a spot on the podium.
India’s performance at the Paris Olympics has been commendable, with six medals already in the bag—one silver and five bronze. Hooda’s journey in the women’s 76 kg freestyle category begins with her round of 16 match. Should she overcome Nagy, a potential challenge awaits her in the form of No.1 seed Aiperi Medet Kyzy from Kyrgyzstan.
What distinguishes Reetika Hooda in these Games is her unique achievement—she is the first Indian wrestler to qualify in the heavyweight 76 kg category. This weight class is relatively new for Hooda, who previously competed in the 72 kg division before moving up last year.
A peek into Hooda’s rigorous routine reveals her dedication: “Munch, train, munch, train, and repeat” sums up her daily life as she strives to maintain her weight above 76 kg. Unlike many athletes who struggle to keep their weight down, Hooda’s challenge is the opposite. With a natural body weight around 74-75 kg, her focus is on consuming small, frequent meals to boost her strength and keep her weight in the desired range.
“Reaching 72 kg was never an issue, but bringing my weight up to 78 kg is a real challenge,” Hooda shared in an interview with PTI. “I have three main meals, plus snacks in between, and even a late-night meal before bed. My nutritionist, Mitali, plans my diet, and my mother makes sure I follow it.”
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Adjusting to a higher protein intake has been part of her strategy, with Hooda adding chicken to her diet despite her family’s vegetarian background. “It was hard to get used to chicken, but after trying many recipes, I’ve settled on a semi-gravy version,” she added.
As Reetika Hooda steps onto the mat today, she carries with her not only the hopes of a nation but also the culmination of intense preparation and perseverance.