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India's only Judoka Tulika Maan suffered a crushing defeat in her opening fight of the women’s +78kg event against Cuba's Idalys Ortiz at the Paris Olympics 2024. Maan settled for a 10-0 loss to the Cuban four-time Olympic medalist in the Round of 32 clash at the Champ-de-Mars Arena.
Tulika was an underdog in this clash as Idalys Ortiz has been touted as one of the favourites to win the medal along side two-time world champion and Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Akira Sone and French star Romane Dicko, who won one of the bronze medals in Tokyo.
Ahead of the Paris Summer Games, Tulika Maan expressed how she never thought of competing at the 2024 Olympics and was focusing on the 2028 Summer Games after the Asian Games. Speaking to Outlook, Maan said, "At the beginning of the year, I never imagined myself at the Paris Olympics."
"I thought Avtar Singh or Vijay Yadav would be representing India. After the Asian Games, my focus shifted to the 2028 Olympics. This opportunity came as a surprise, a mix of destiny and chance. But I'm ready to embrace it. I'm aiming for both a medal and valuable experience. I’m aware of the challenge ahead, but I'm fearless."
Looking back at her journey, Maan got into Judo at 13 when she joined a combat sports academy. One of her coaches suggested to her mother that judo could be a great way to improve her fitness. As she rose through the ranks, Maan was coached by Arjuna Awardee Yashpal Solanki, alongside training partners Olympian Avtar Singh and CWG medalist Vijay Yadav.
