Paris Olympics 2024: Reetika Hooda waits for IOA’s recommendation letter for her coach’s visa
Just before the start of the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian wrestler Reetika Hooda’s preparations for the Games were hampered as she is awaiting the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)'s recommendation letter for a visa for her coach, Mandeep.
Mandeep couldn’t find a spot in the list of approved support staff to get accommodated inside the Games Village. Notably, Reetika is the first Indian female wrestler to make the cut for the Paris Olympics 2024 in the 76 kg weight category.
The wrestler from Haryana, Reetika Hooda, had requested the IOA in May 2024 and the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) in June 2024 to allow her coach and physio to travel alongside her to the French capital.
Only Reetika Hooda’s request has been left out by the IOA
Interestingly, the other five qualified wrestlers’ requests for a travel coach have been approved by the IOA. However, Reetika’s request has been left out.
“I was surprised to see that everyone has been assigned the travel with personal coach. Antim (Panghal) has been sanctioned both her coaches and I have not been given even one,” Reetika Hooda told PTI.
“When I had applied, a few days after that I was told that no one is being allowed to travel with personal coach but now I see that everyone has been allowed except me,” she added.
Vinesh Phogat will be traveling with Belgian Woller Akos, while Antim Panghal will be assisted by her coach, Bhagat Singh, and Vikas, who will be her sparring partner. Anshu Malik will have her father, Dharamvir, as her personal coach, and Amir will travel with Nisha Dahiya. Aman Sehrawat will travel with Ali Shabanov.
“Instead of practicing and focusing on my preparations, I have spent my day talking to IOA officials. I spoke to PT Usha madam, and CEO Raghuram Iyer too. They are saying they will try,” she added.
Ajay Narang, who handles IOA president PT Usha’s office, stated that Reetika’s request was never forwarded to them, and they don’t have access to that e-mail.
“Somehow this e-mail was not forwarded to the right people. We have told Reetika that they can apply for her coach’s visa and we will request the French embassy to clear it in time," he said.
Nevertheless, the IOA has yet to issue a recommendation letter to the wrestler. Interestingly, without the letter, the application will not be considered.