Ravi Dahiya sustained a serious injury in February 2023 during a practice session at Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium.
Scans revealed grade 2 tears in his right knee’s Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), forcing him out of competition and ruling him out of the Paris Olympics.
Speaking to IANS, Dahiya expressed optimism about his future. “I’ve resumed training after my surgery. It was unfortunate to miss the Paris Olympics due to injury, but I’m hopeful of making it to Los Angeles. Fingers crossed,” he said.
Before his injury, Dahiya last competed at the 2022 World Championships in Belgrade.
The Birmingham Commonwealth Games champion suffered an early exit, losing in the opening round of the 57kg category to Uzbekistan’s Gulomjon Abdullaev. Despite setbacks, the wrestler remains determined to reclaim his form and pursue another Olympic medal.
Supportive Sports Policy
Dahiya also praised Delhi’s new sports initiative, the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
“The new sports policy of the Delhi Government is very impressive. It will benefit athletes at the grassroots level. Improved infrastructure and increased prize money for Delhi athletes will boost confidence across the city,” he remarked.
The policy has significantly raised incentives for athletes at all levels. Olympic and Paralympic medal winners are now entitled to more than double the previous rewards, while top performers can secure government jobs in Group A, B, or C positions.
The scheme also focuses on enhancing training facilities, nutrition, and youth engagement to strengthen Delhi’s sporting ecosystem.
In a strategic decision aimed at prolonging his career, Dahiya has opted to move up to the 65kg category, the Olympic weight class for Los Angeles 2028.
In recent years, he has competed in the non-Olympic 61kg category due to injuries and intermittent participation in tournaments. The move to a higher weight class is expected to improve his chances of competing at the highest level and targeting another Olympic podium finish.
With rehabilitation progressing well and training resumed, Dahiya’s focus is firmly set on the Los Angeles Olympics.
His comeback journey, combined with the new sports policy in Delhi, highlights the growing support and infrastructure available for athletes in India.
If his recovery continues on track, Ravi Dahiya could once again become one of India’s top medal hopes on the world stage in 2028.
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