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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ICONIC STADIUM
From the ancient grandeur of the Roman Colosseum to the cuttingedge design of Beijing's Bird's Nest, stadiums around the world hold rich histories and enduring legacies. These structures not only host epic events but also reflect the cultural, political, and architectural advancements of their eras.
JUNIOR TALENT RARELY GUARANTEES ELITE SUCCESS
Dr Tania Cassidy, is a professor of sports coaching at the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Her research focus is pedagogy, and she uses educational theories to explore the interconnections between coach, athlete, content, and context. During the Sports Champ Talk Show with Chief Editor Bhushan Thakur, she spoke about talent identification, luck factors, and the early and later bloomers in sports. Excerpts:
PURVA EYES GLOBAL SUCCESS
With over 50 medals to her name, including the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Award, Purva Kinare shares her journey in Yoga and her hopes for representing India in future international competitions.
Ayush Shukla eyes Olympic dream
After claiming India’s first-ever bronze in the World Junior Taekwondo Championship, 17-year-old Ayush Shukla from Ahmedabad is now looking ahead to bigger challenges, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Olympics.
SCALING HEIGHTS
Shreya Nankar, a 22-year-old from Pune, has excelled in wall climbing and academics, earning over 40 medals in national competitions while pursuing her master’s degree at Arizona University, USA. Recently honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Award, she continues to inspire with her exceptional achievements.
Channelise your energy in the proper manner
Tell us about your childhood and liking for sports at an early age
India's fabulous fifth
India secured their fifth Asian Champions Trophy Hockey title with a 1-0 win over China, extending their record in the prestigious tournament. Jugraj Singh's crucial goal brought home the victory, while captain Harmanpreet Singh led the team to their sixth overall title, capping off a dominant campaign.
WINNING TOGETHER
Dr Deepa Malik, former president of the Paralympic Committee of India and a silver medall at the Paralympic Games underscores the pivotal role of collective efforts, meticulous plannin talent discovery, and international exposure in India's remarkable performance at the Pa Paralympics.
KAPIL'S BRONZE BLITZ
Triumph Amidst The Roar
MAKING OF A CHAMPION
Becoming an Olympic gold medallist is no easy feat. For coaches, the process is a long and arduous journey that demands immense dedication, perseverance, and skill.
