Indian wrestler Nisha Dahiya was on the brink of securing India’s fourth medal at the Paris Olympics in the women’s 68kg freestyle category. After a thrilling win over Ukraine’s Sova Rizhko, Dahiya dominated her quarterfinal match against North Korea’s Pak Sol-gum, leading 8-1. However, a freak injury shattered her Olympic dreams. Dahiya injured her right hand and shoulder during the match, forcing multiple stoppages and enabling Pak to close the score gap. With just seconds remaining, Pak secured a controversial takedown to win 10-8 and advance to the semifinals.
The incident sparked allegations from Indian national team coach Virender Dahiya, who accused the North Korean corner of intentionally instructing Pak to injure Nisha. “They attacked the joint. The medal was in her neck, and it has been taken away,” he claimed. Nisha had previously defeated Pak at the Asian Qualifier, making the loss even more painful.
Hopes for a bronze medal remained if Pak reached the final, allowing Nisha to compete in the repechage. However, American wrestler Amit Elor swiftly defeated Pak 10-0, ending Nisha’s tournament run. The Indian Olympic Association confirmed Nisha’s shoulder injury, stating that further tests would determine her treatment plan. The heartbreaking turn of events left Nisha inconsolable, marking a controversial and painful end to her Olympic journey.
