Wrestler Anshu Malik suffers shoulder strain, WFI seeks status report
Indian wrestler Anshu Malik suffered a shoulder strain during training, following which the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was forced to seek a status report from the wrestler.
Anshu Malik won a silver medal at the recent Ranking Series event in Budapest in the women's 57kg, losing to China's Kexin Hong in the final. However, the 22-year-old won a gold medal at the Asian Olympic Qualifier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in April and qualified for the Paris Olympic Games.
Returning to her centre - Mirchpur Academy in Haryana after the Budapest event, Anshu suffered a strain on the left shoulder a week back.
“During a practice session, she suffered 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 was quoted as saying by PTI.
“We will leave for Japan for a training camp in a few days,” he added.
WFI President says they will have clarity on Anshu Malik soon
Meanwhile, WFI President Sanjay Singh told PTI that they will have clarity on Anshu Malik in a day or two.
“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,” he stated.
NSFs have time until July 8 to make any changes to the nominations. Subsequently, India's head coach Virender Dahiya has said that the contingent is preparing well for the Paris Olympic Games.
“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 said as per PTI.
"The protest disrupted the preparations but everyone has worked hard now. Vinesh Phogat has experience behind her, a lot will be expected from her,” the Indian head coach added.
Six wrestlers will represent India at the Paris Olympics 2024 - Vinesh Phogat (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Anshu Malik (57kg), Nisha Dahiya (68kg) and Reetika Hooda (76kg) in the women's category, Aman Sehrawat (57kg), who will be the lone wrestler for the country in the men's category.