Tulika Maan wasn’t positive she would make the lower for the Olympics however now that she has certified for Paris Video games, the Indian judoka is hoping to return with a medal and has set a goal of reaching no less than the bronze play-off. The 25-year-old Tulika, a Commonwealth Video games silver medallist, on Tuesday secured a continental quota for the Paris Olympics within the 78 kg class. “Judo has all the time been stuffed with surprises and one by no means is aware of what would occur at any level of time. So one by no means is aware of what’s going to occur that day. Have a look at how I made it to Paris Olympics,” Tulika instructed SAI Media.

“However taking a look at my coaching, I’m hoping I’ll make it to the bronze medal match no less than if not the ultimate. We’re coaching for gold.” The qualification interval was between June 22, 2022 and June 23, 2024 and Tulika was not assured about qualifying for the Olympics after struggling an harm in 2022.

However a victory over Canada’s Portuondo Isasi within the spherical of 32 within the World Championships in Abu Dhabi final month put her on the Olympic rating.

“The journey has been thrilling. My coach (Yashpal Solanki) had drawn up a calendar of occasions to focus on, however the Olympics was not a part of that,” she mentioned.

Nonetheless, her fifth-place finishes within the Asian Video games in Hangzhou final 12 months and the Asian Championships in Hong Kong in April this 12 months helped her rack up essential factors.

The Delhi lady was ranked thirty sixth with 1345 factors.

“I received three bouts every within the Asian Video games and the Asian Championship. Hong Kong is once I first thought possibly I might do it,” she mentioned, admitting that she was uncertain about her Olympic possibilities after she couldn’t win a bout in two Grand Slam competitions in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Astana (Kazakhstan).

“The win within the World Championship helped me.” Tulika feels China’s Su Xin might show to be her hardest opponent on the Video games.

“She can be my greatest competitor as I used to be injured throughout a bout along with her within the 2022 Asian Championships. I feel she was the hardest competitor I’ve confronted. France’s Romane Dicko can be a superb competitors. She isn’t as heavy because the Chinese language however is fast and highly effective,” she mentioned.

Speaking concerning the assist that she obtained as a part of the Goal Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Tulika mentioned: “I’ve obtained a variety of help from TOPS. A variety of us beneath TOPS get help to compete in occasions by means of the 12 months to maintain our rankings. When the bills are taken care of, we will compete with out stress and can provide our greatest.” Tulika would be the ninth lady judoka from India to compete within the Olympic Video games.

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