India's Paris Olympics Medal Hope Suffers Injury, Wrestling Body Awaits Report on Recovery

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In a setback to India's Olympic wrestling contingent, Anshu Malik, one of the top medal contenders for the Paris Olympics, has sustained a shoulder strain during a training session, reported new agency PTI.

This development has led the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to request a detailed status report on her recovery. Anshu recently earned a silver medal at the Ranking Series event in Budapest in the women's 57kg category.

The 22-year-old had secured her Olympic spot by winning a gold medal at the Asian Olympic Qualifier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in April.

Following her commendable performance in Budapest, the 22-year-old wrestler returned to her training base at Mirchpur Academy in Haryana. It was there, about a week ago, that she experienced a strain in her left shoulder during practice.

"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 told PTI.

Anshu has since resumed light training and is preparing for an upcoming training camp in Japan. Dharamveer Malik expressed optimism regarding her recovery, stating, "We will leave for Japan for a training camp in a few days."

WFI President Sanjay Singh also provided an update on Anshu's condition, indicating that further clarity 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," he said.

As the deadline for National Sports Federations (NSFs) to change nominations is July 8, the WFI is closely monitoring Anshu's progress. Meanwhile, India's head coach Virender Dahiya remains optimistic about the team's 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.

He 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 alike are hopeful that Anshu Malik's injury will not impede her Olympic journey and that she will recover fully to compete at her best on the grand stage.