She already has created history even before entering into the upcoming Olympic Games. At 22 years of age, Reetika has become the first Indian woman to qualify for the Olympics in the heavyweight (76kg) category.
The Haryana-based grappler was also the first woman from India to win a Gold medal at the U23 World Championships, a feat she achieved last year in Albania. But she wants more, perhaps a Gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
During an exclusive Interview with India TV, the grappler reveals her goals for the upcoming Games. "Me, my coach and my family want me to perform better than what I have done in my previous competitions so that I can win Gold at the Paris Games," she says during an event organized by the Indian Olympic Association in Delhi on Sunday.
Reetika went from 72kg to 76kg in 2023 and the U23 Worlds were the first she was competing in the 76kg category. Why she is the first Indian to qualify for the Olympics in this category. She says that this category is a difficult one. "76kg is a heavyweight category and it is difficult for India to qualify for it. Athletes are fit and stronger in this weight division around the world. God heard my prayers, so I have qualified for it."
So what will she do if she manages to win a medal at the upcoming Games? Reetika says she will go and hand over the medal to her family and her coach as they are the reason behind her journey this far. "If I bring a medal, I would go to my coach and my family and hand them that. Then I will go the temples to thank the God," she adds.
Watch Reetika's interview here:
At 22, Reetika might be standing at the cusp of history. She idolises Sakshi Malik and she might find herself at the same height as her athlete if she wins a medal in Paris. Sakshi is the only Indian woman to have won a medal at the Games and who knows, Reetika might be the second.
