Anshu Malik: From Injury To Gold At National Wrestling Championships 2023

Add as a preferred source on Google

Jaipur: Returning from a knee injury and securing a gold medal at the National Wrestling Championships 2023 defines an extraordinary comeback. At the much-delayed event over WFI's civil war, wrestler Anshu Malik showcased sheer determination on her return to the mat.

The 22-year-old Haryana girl triumphed over the formidable four-time Asian medalist Sarita Mor in the 59 Kg category, with a resounding victory of 8-3 in the finals. Despite the relentless rain outside, the match between Anshu and Sarita was so intense in the ring that the audience momentarily forgot about the heavy downpour.

"This tournament was important for me because this is the Olympic year," Anshu Malik told NNIS Sports. "I have only played one competition in the past year, and I got injured during that event. The medal I received serves as motivation, and winning after the injury automatically boosts my confidence."

The 2021 World Championships silver medalist usually competes in the 57 Kg category, but after recovering from injury, she was shifted to the 59 Kg category for this tournament.

On changing her category for this tournament Anshu Malik said: "I had an injury and I gain a lot of weight because of that and my doctors, and physios also said that instead of playing in 57 kg category, you should play one category higher because now if you get injured, you do not have the option and they also said that this is a very important year and we will not have time for rehab. So, that's why I have competed in 59 kg."

Anshu and Sarita are familiar foes in the domestic wrestling circuit. Last year during the Asian Games trials, Anshu lost to Sarita Mor with a 4-6 score. Anshu was dealing with a grade-II ligament tear in her knee during the trials. The Senior National Wrestling Championships in Jaipur marked her return, and there was a lot on the line for her.

"I don't talk to Sarita much, but we both want to win. She's a great wrestler and she's older than me. There's tough competition in India, so I'm always thinking about how much I need to improve," said Anshu on her competition with Sarita Mor.

Before Anshu headed to Japan and Sarita went to the USA for training, the showdown for the title became crucial because both wrestlers are aiming for the 57kg spot in the upcoming Olympic qualifiers in April and May.