Nisha Dahiya, the woman wrestler, clinched 5th quota for India at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in the 68kg category during the World Wrestling Olympic Qualifiers held on Friday. By advancing to the final in the women’s 68kg freestyle category, she ensured her spot in Paris.
This achievement marks India’s 5th quota in wrestling for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with all quotas secured by women wrestlers. Joining Antim Panghal (53kg), Vinesh Phogat (50kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), and Reetika Hooda (76kg), Nisha Dahiya’s victory adds to India’s representation in the upcoming Olympics. Despite the opportunity for Greco-Roman wrestlers to earn Olympic berths, none succeeded in securing a quota place.
Nisha Dahiya’s journey to securing the quota included victories over formidable opponents such as Alina Shauchuk and Adela Hanzlickova. In the semifinals, she faced Romania’s Alexandra Anghel, ultimately emerging victorious with an 8-4 win to secure the Olympic quota for India.
The World Wrestling Olympic Qualifiers in Istanbul, Türkiye, serve as the final opportunity for wrestlers to obtain quotas for the Summer Games. Each weight class offers three Paris 2024 Olympic quotas, with the two finalists in each division securing quotas for their respective countries. The third quota spot is determined by a playoff bout between the two bronze medallists in the weight class.
While Nisha Dahiya secured a quota, Mansi Ahlawat’s quest for a quota in the women’s 62kg category ended in the Round of 16. In the Greco-Roman wrestling category, India’s Sunil Kumar’s journey came to an end after winning one bout in repechage but losing to his next opponent.
On Saturday, 6 Indian men’s freestyle grapplers will begin their pursuit of Olympic quotas in the ongoing World Wrestling Olympic Qualifiers.
