New Delhi: Olympic silver medalist Ravi Kumar Dahiya, who missed the Paris Olympics due to injury, has resumed training after a successful knee surgery and has set his sights on competing at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
The 27-year-old wrestler suffered a serious knee injury during a practice bout at Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium in February 2023. Medical scans revealed Grade 2 tears in his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the right knee, forcing him out of competition for an extended period.
“After my operation, I’ve started training again. Although I regretfully missed the Olympics in Paris because of my injuries, I plan to attend in Los Angeles. Hopefully,” Dahiya told IANS.
Dahiya last competed at the 2022 World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, where he was eliminated in the opening round by Gulomjon Abdullaev of Uzbekistan in the 57kg division.
Shifting Weight Classes to Extend Career
To increase his longevity in the sport and improve his medal chances, Dahiya has begun competing in the 61kg non-Olympic weight category. However, he is now preparing to transition to the 65kg Olympic division, the designated category for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Despite injury setbacks over the past two years, Dahiya remains determined. His return is marked not only by physical rehabilitation but also by strategic planning around weight management and performance longevity.
Support for Delhi Athletes: New Government Push
Dahiya also expressed support for the “Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana,” a new sports policy led by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aimed at boosting infrastructure, incentives, and morale for local athletes.
“The Delhi government’s new sports strategy is very outstanding. At the local level, it will help athletes. For Delhi athletes, there would be more prize money and better facilities. Players around the city will feel more confident as a result,” Dahiya said.
Under this initiative, Olympic and Paralympic medalists from Delhi are now eligible for doubled cash prizes and direct government job placements in Group A, B, or C posts, depending on their achievements.
As Dahiya embarks on his road to recovery and resurgence, the wrestling community remains hopeful. With renewed determination, increased government support, and an eye on Los Angeles 2028, Ravi Dahiya is once again poised to become a name to watch in Indian wrestling.
