Nisha Dahiya’s Olympic Dreams Dashed by Injury in Paris

New Delhi: The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a tumultuous event for the Indian team, marked by moments of near success overshadowed by heart-wrenching disappointments. Among the most painful blows was the fate of Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya, whose Olympic journey was cut short by a devastating injury.

Dahiya, competing in the 68kg freestyle wrestling category, was on the verge of securing a semifinal spot after a commanding performance in her quarterfinal bout. With an impressive 8-2 lead and just 33 seconds left, it seemed that the semifinal was within her grasp. However, disaster struck when she sustained a severe injury to her arm and shoulder. Despite immediate medical intervention, Dahiya struggled with intense pain that significantly affected her ability to compete.

North Korean wrestler Pak Sol-gum took advantage of Dahiya’s compromised condition. Pak quickly scored six points to level the match at 8-8. With Dahiya’s injury worsening and more stoppages occurring, Pak managed a decisive takedown in the final seconds to win 10-8 and secure her place in the semifinals.

The emotional impact of the loss was evident as Dahiya was seen in tears, a heartbreaking image that has resonated widely on social media. This defeat was a significant setback for both Dahiya and India’s medal hopes at the Games. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed that Dahiya’s injury was serious and required further medical evaluation, ruling her out of the remainder of the competition.

Additionally, the day brought further disappointment for India. Lakshya Sen, competing for a bronze medal, and the mixed skeet team of Maheshwari Chauhan and Anantjeet Singh Naruka both fell short in their respective matches against Chinese opponents. India’s medal tally stands at three, all achieved in shooting events. As the Games continue, the Indian team remains hopeful for more successes.