Paris, August 6, 2024 — Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya, known as “Mardaaani,” stood on the verge of securing the nation’s fourth medal at the Paris Olympics following a remarkable start to her campaign in the 68kg freestyle category. After defeating Ukraine’s Sova Rizhko 6-4 in the opening round, the Asian Championships silver medallist stormed to a seven-point lead in her quarterfinal match against North Korea’s Pak Sol-gum, positioning herself just two points away from semifinal qualification in her Olympic debut.
However, Dahiya’s dream of an Olympic medal was abruptly interrupted by a freak injury to her arm and hand. She initially took an 8-1 lead against Pak before the injury left her in tears, clutching her arm in visible pain. Medical staff attended to her, identifying a finger injury on her right hand and taping two fingers together before the match resumed.
Despite the injury, Dahiya managed to maintain an 8-2 lead with just 33 seconds remaining. However, a second stoppage saw her holding her right wrist, and when the match continued, Pak scored six rapid points to level the score. With 12 seconds left, Dahiya’s right shoulder was treated once more, but Pak executed a takedown in the final moments, clinching a 10-8 victory and advancing to the semifinals.
Dahiya, inconsolable and in tears after the loss, was rushed to a medical facility within the Games Village for a scan. The unfortunate injury not only dashed her medal hopes but also ignited controversy. Indian national team coach Virender Dahiya suggested that the injury might have been an intentional act. Speaking to news agency PTI, he accused the North Korean team of deliberately targeting Dahiya’s joint to gain an unfair advantage.
“It was 100 percent intentional, they hurt her intentionally,” Virender Dahiya claimed. “There was clear evidence of an instruction from the Korean corner to attack her joint. They have effectively taken the medal away from her.”
Despite the setback, there was still a glimmer of hope for Dahiya to secure a medal if Pak defeated American wrestler Amit Elor in the semifinals, which would allow Dahiya to re-enter the tournament via repechage. However, Elor decisively defeated Pak 10-0 in under two minutes, ending Dahiya’s hopes of a comeback.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) later confirmed that Dahiya sustained a severe shoulder injury during the bout. “Wrestler Nisha Dahiya sustained a severe shoulder injury that required reduction and MRI,” the IOA said in a statement. “She has been ruled out of the competition. Further tests will determine the course of her treatment.”
Despite the unfortunate end to her Olympic journey, Dahiya’s resilience and fighting spirit have been celebrated, embodying the true essence of the “Mardaaani” spirit.