"Brings back memories of that injury to Vinesh" - Fans disheartened as Nisha Dahiya fights despite an injury at Paris Olympics 2024
Nisha Dahiya’s quarter-final match in the women's 68kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics 2024 ended in heartbreak for the Indian wrestler and her fans. Leading 8-2 against South Korea's Pak Sol Gum in the second period, Nisha suffered a devastating injury to her right hand.
The injury forced her to receive treatment, and despite returning to the mat, she struggled due to additional shoulder soreness. Pak capitalized on Nisha's impaired state, overcoming the deficit and securing a decisive takedown with less than 10 seconds left, winning 10-8. An emotional Nisha was led off the arena in tears by her coaches
The incident brought back painful memories of Vinesh Phogat's injury at the 2016 Rio Olympics for many Indian supporters.
One fan expressed:
“This is brutal. To lose like this... Nisha in tears as the bout ends. She was comfortably in control and then disaster struck. Brings back memories of that injury to Vinesh.”
One fan voiced his empathy and admiration for Nisha’s bravery and requested everyone to support her just like double bronze medalist Manu Bhaker.
“Need appreciation just like Manu bhaker kya ldi hai sherni.”
This sentiment was shared widely, with another adding:
“First Lakshya Sen got Heartbreaks & was in tears. Now Nisha Dahiya got Heartbreaks and she's in tears. MOST PAINFUL DAY FOR INDIA IN THIS PARIS OLYMPICS.”
Another pointed out the immense pressure Indian athletes face:
“Nisha Dahiya seemed to be in so much pressure to win Bronze for India that she risked her career. India (1.5bn) failed as a Sporting Nation that struggles to win even 10 Medals and put so much mental pressure on players.”
Nisha’s commitment to continue wrestling despite her injury was seen as a heroic effort by one user who commented:
“Tried to confirm BRONZE for India in wrestling despite tremendous pain. Played with a broken hand. Nisha Dahiya is a Champion.”
The unfortunate turn of events was heartbreaking, as echoed by another fan:
“Bloody hell, that is BEYOND heartbreaking for Nisha Dahiya. Flashbacks to Vinesh & Rio all over again.”
The injury and subsequent loss were described as “rotten luck" by a user:
“Just rotten rotten luck at these Games for India. Nisha Dahiya was in absolute control of her bout and then picks up an injury which costs her. Horrible.”
How can Nisha Dahiya still win a medal at the Paris Olympics 2024?
There is still a glimmer of hope for Nisha Dahiya. If Pak Sol Gum can win her semifinal and reach the final, Nisha will have an opportunity to contest for a medal through the repechage round.
However, the extent of her injury remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether she will be able to compete tomorrow (August 6).