Heartbreak for Nisha Dahiya at Paris Olympics: Injury Costs Indian Wrestler a Semifinal Spot
New Delhi: The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a rollercoaster for the Indian contingent, with moments of triumph overshadowed by heartbreaking near-misses. Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya experienced a particularly crushing defeat, which has captured widespread attention and sympathy. Dahiya, competing in the 68kg freestyle category, was on the brink of securing a spot in the semifinals after a strong performance in the quarterfinal match.
Dahiya, who had taken an impressive 8-2 lead with just 33 seconds remaining, seemed poised to advance to the next round. However, disaster struck when she suffered a severe injury to her arm and shoulder. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, Dahiya’s injury significantly hampered her performance. The injury, which required immediate treatment, left her in considerable pain and visibly distressed.
The North Korean wrestler, Pak Sol-gum, capitalized on Dahiya’s compromised condition. Pak swiftly turned the tide of the match, scoring six quick points to level the score at 8-8. With only 12 seconds left on the clock, Dahiya’s injury worsened, leading to yet another stoppage. In the final moments of the bout, Pak executed a decisive takedown to win 10-8, thus securing her place in the semifinals.
The emotional aftermath saw Dahiya in tears, a poignant image that has resonated widely across social media. Her loss was not just a blow to her own aspirations but also a setback for India’s medal hopes. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) later confirmed that Dahiya had sustained a severe shoulder injury, ruling her out of further competition and requiring extensive medical evaluation.
The day was also marked by disappointment in other events. Lakshya Sen, who had been competing for a bronze medal, and the mixed skeet team of Maheshwari Chauhan and Anantjeet Singh Naruka both faced setbacks in their matches against Chinese competitors. As of now, India’s medal tally remains at three, all of which have come from shooting events. The Indian team continues to strive for more success as the Games progress.
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