Reetika Hooda

Some Lesser Known Facts About Reetika Hooda

• Reetika was persuaded by her father to opt for a career in wrestling when she was studying in school. At that time she used to play handball in school, and her father asked her to choose an individual sport instead of a team sport.

• Reetika’s wrestling journey started in 2015 when her father made her join Chhotu Ram Academy in Rohtak.

  

• Ritika receives a monthly scholarship of Rs. 12,000 from Chandigarh University which takes care of her coaching facilities and special diet.

• Since coming into wrestling, Reetika has idolized Kiran Bishnoi.

• Reetika realized the significance of the Olympics when she witnessed her senior, Sakshi Malik, winning the Olympic medal in 2016.

• Reetika’s maternal grandfather was also a freestyle wrestler and supported Reetika throughout her wrestling journey.

  

• Ritika once said in an interview that she does not like eating chicken, but keeping her preparation in mind, she has to eat it for protein.

• Reetika was once selected for the handball team of her school team, but her father did not allow her to participate. When the school authorities requested him to give his consent, he changed her school.

• Reetika also holds the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO) in the Indian Navy.

• Reetika started wrestling initially in the 68 Kg category and later switched to the 72 Kg where she competed for two years. After that, she shifted to the 76 Kg category to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

• In 2023, Reetika switched to 76 Kg from 72 Kg before entering the World Championship tournament. She won against USA’s Kennedy Blades in the finals with a score of 9-2 to become the first Indian female wrestler to win the U-23 World Championship.