Anshu Malik’s Injury a Setback for India’s Olympic Wrestling Contingent

India’s Olympic wrestling prospects have suffered a serious blow as Anshu Malik, a key medal contender for the Paris Olympics, has sustained a shoulder strain during a training session. The news, reported by PTI, has prompted the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to seek a detailed recovery status report.

Anshu, who recently clinched a silver medal at the Ranking Series event in Budapest in the women’s 57kg category, has been a beacon of hope for India’s wrestling contingent. The 22-year-old wrestler secured her Olympic spot with a gold medal at the Asian Olympic Qualifier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in April, establishing herself as a formidable competitor on the international stage.

The injury occurred approximately a week ago at her training base in Mirchpur Academy, Haryana. Anshu experienced a strain in her left shoulder during practice, prompting immediate precautionary measures. “During a practice session, she suffered a strain and, as a precautionary measure, she stopped training. She also underwent an MRI and there is nothing to worry. The scan is clean. Two days back she started training again,” Anshu’s father and coach, Dharamveer Malik, informed PTI.

Despite this setback, Anshu has resumed light training and is gearing up for an upcoming training camp in Japan. Dharamveer Malik expressed optimism about her recovery, stating, “We will leave for Japan for a training camp in a few days.”

WFI President Sanjay Singh provided an update on Anshu’s condition, indicating that further clarity on her recovery would be available soon. “We have been told she has begun light training. We have asked for a status report for clear position. The coaches are saying that she is alright. We will know exact details in two days’ time,” Singh said.

The WFI is closely monitoring Anshu’s progress, especially with the deadline for National Sports Federations (NSFs) to change nominations approaching on July 8. Meanwhile, India’s head coach Virender Dahiya remains optimistic about the team’s overall prospects at the Paris Olympics. 

“All our wrestlers are in good rhythm. After the ranking series event in Budapest, we stayed back in the country for a training camp. The wrestlers got good sparring partners there. We are hoping for at least three medals this time,” Dahiya stated.

Dahiya acknowledged the challenges faced during preparations but highlighted the dedication of the athletes. “The protest disrupted the preparations but everyone has worked hard now. Vinesh Phogat has experience behind her, a lot will be expected from her,” he added.

India will be represented by six wrestlers at the Paris Olympics, with Aman Sehrawat being the lone male grappler in the squad. The wrestling community and fans are hopeful that Anshu Malik’s injury will not hinder her Olympic journey and that she will recover fully to compete at her best on the grand stage.