Anshu Malik crashes out of the Paris 2024 Olympics following a 2-7 loss to Helen Louise Maroulis in the opening round
India's Anshu Malik faced a challenging bout in her first-round match against the formidable Helen Louise Maroulis of the United States at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday, August 8. Despite her best efforts, Anshu lost 7-2 to the Tokyo bronze medalist, who showcased her superior skills and tactics.
The match began with both wrestlers immediately engaging in grappling, targeting each other’s shoulders. Anshu attempted to secure a leg hold early on but Helen countered effectively, pushing Anshu to the edge and scoring the first two points. Despite Anshu's determination, the first half ended with her trailing 0-2, as Helen maintained a strong defensive stance and thwarted Anshu's advances.
After a short 30-second break, the tussle resumed with renewed intensity. Both wrestlers continued their shoulder attacks.
Helen shifted her strategy, catching Anshu Malik off-guard with a change in direction and pinning her down to gain another point. A deft twirl from Helen, combined with a double thigh hold, left Anshu trailing by a significant six points.
As the match progressed, Anshu Malik managed to secure two technical points and capitalized on a yellow card warning given to Helen. However, Helen's relentless attacks continued. She executed a single-leg hold, forcing Anshu out and extending her lead further. Despite Anshu's resilience, she struggled to break through Helen's defence and gain more points.
The bout concluded with a 7-2 victory for Helen Maroulis, leaving Anshu Malik with a challenging path ahead. Anshu still has a chance to compete in the repechage rounds, provided Helen makes it to the finals.
Anshu Malik's exit adds to another disappointment for India in wrestling at Paris Olympics 2024
India's campaign in wrestling at Paris Olympics 2024 has been marred with disappointment. The nation faced its biggest setback when Vinesh Phogat who reached the final of the 50kg wrestling event, was disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024.
The 29-year-old wrestler was found merely 100gm above her weight bracket during the final weigh-in and was disqualified instantly. Despite Phogat's relentless appeals, the decision was not overturned. As a result, Vinesh who was set to become the first Indian female wrestler to bring in a gold or silver medal at the Olympics, had to return home empty-handed with her dreams shattered,
Meanwhile, competing in the 53kg category Antim Paghal faced a 10-0 loss to Turkey's Yetgil Zeynep that saw her crash out of the Paris Olympics.