Reetika Hooda becomes second Indian Woman to win gold at World Military Championships after Jyoti Sihag

In a historic moment for Indian wrestling, Reetika Hooda claimed the gold medal in the women’s 76kg category at the World Military Championships, becoming the second woman from India to achieve this feat.

This victory follows Jyoti Sihag’s gold medal triumph in the 55kg category just a day earlier, marking a groundbreaking debut for India’s women’s team at the tournament.

India sent a women’s contingent to the World Military Championships for the first time this year, following the armed forces’ decision in 2024 to recruit sportswomen into their ranks.

This policy shift has already borne fruit, with the Indian women making a strong impression on the global stage.

For Reetika, this gold medal serves as redemption after her heart-wrenching exit at the Paris 2024 Olympics. In the women’s 76kg division quarter-finals, she faced top-seeded Aiperi Medet Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan. Under wrestling rules, Medet Kyzy advanced on criteria, having scored the last point.

Reetika’s hopes of a bronze medal through repechage were also dashed when Medet Kyzy lost in the semi-finals.

Reetika’s resilience has been evident in her journey since the Paris Olympics.

As India continues to make strides in promoting women in sports and defense, Reetika’s and Jyoti’s achievements signal a new era of opportunities and success.