With Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, India’s quota-winning women wrestlers are making a strong case to be exempted from selection trials. They argue that the intense physical and mental strain of additional competition could jeopardize their Olympic medal chances.
Focus on peace, not pressure for Women’s Wrestlers
Anshu Malik, a rising star in the 57kg category, emphasizes the importance of mental peace. Having secured a quota at just 17, she acknowledges the challenges of inexperience at her first Olympics.
Now, with a World Championship silver and multiple Asian Championship medals under her belt, she feels prepared – but only if she can focus solely on the Games.
Every step matters for Paris Olympics
Anshu Malik highlights the meticulous planning required for Olympic preparation. Trials, she argues, would disrupt her training schedule and delay crucial plans like an upcoming training camp in Europe. With every workout and competition a building block towards success, she needs uninterrupted focus.
“We have to be very, very careful with every little thing we do. We are cautious in every single step we take from here on. I have competed at a number of competitions in the recent past, international events, nationals, trials and then the Qualifiers, so I am not required to be assessed on fitness through trials,” Anshu told PTI from Tokyo where she is training these days.
“We need mental peace before the Olympics. Already two months is too less a period to prepare. At this stage, every single day counts. We plan our training on a weekly basis and if I am called to India for trials, it will disrupt plans and affect medal chances.”
“I also want to go to Europe for an international training camp from June 10 but I can’t finalise that because of uncertainty around the trials. We need to strategise bouts with rivals but how will I do that if I prepare for the trials and not for the Olympics?” she asked.
Similar concerns for India Wrestlers
Nisha Dahiya (68kg) and Reetika Hooda (76kg) echo Anshu’s sentiments. Nisha worries about the physical toll of another weight cut and the disruption it would cause to her carefully crafted strategy against specific rivals.
Reetika, the country’s first U23 women’s world champion, highlights the risk of injuries from high-pressure trial bouts.
Avoiding unnecessary risk ahead of Olympics
Unnamed coaches also support the wrestlers’ plea. They believe trials at this stage could lead to injuries and unnecessary stress, potentially derailing Olympic dreams.
More on Olympics:
Call for trust from WFI
These quota winners have already proven their mettle on the international stage. Now, they ask the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to trust their ability and grant them the mental space crucial for peak performance at the Olympics.
With their sights firmly set on Paris glory, they are ready to dedicate every ounce of energy towards bringing home medals.
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