Anshu Malik, a strong medal hopeful for India in women’s 57kg freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics, faces a major setback due to a recent injury. The wrestler submitted a medical report to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) advising two weeks of complete rest, raising concerns about her participation in the Games.
Injury timeline and concerns for Anshu Malik
Anshu Malik sustained the injury during training on June 19th and was hospitalized in New Delhi a few days later. The doctor’s recommendation for a two-week rest period throws her participation into jeopardy, as her weight category competition kicks off on August 8th with medal rounds the following day.
WFI and Family remain optimistic
Despite the worrying medical report, both the WFI and Anshu Malik’s father, Dharamveer Malik, remain optimistic. Her father claims she has already begun training again and plans to travel to Japan for further training before the Olympics. The WFI is also hopeful and acknowledges her as the official entry for the 57kg category.
Speaking on the issue, a WFI source told The New Indian Express, “As was announced by the federation, Anshu is the official entry for the 57kg. The WFI has received her medical case report today (Tuesday). She is expected to go for follow-up with treating doctors on Wednesday and update the federation.”
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Anshu Malik: Replacement or Recovery Race?
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) allows changes to the long list of nominated athletes until July 11th. However, after this deadline, substitutions are only permitted due to injury, with just one replacement allowed per event. If Anshu remains unfit, the WFI could hold selection trials between the other wrestlers in her weight category to choose a replacement.
“We have named four top wrestlers in each weight category for the long list. So in a worst-case scenario, if Anshu doesn’t compete, then selection trials will be held between the other three wrestlers and the winner of the same will be named for the Olympics. If Anshu proves her fitness, then there will be no need for doing all these exercises,” noted the WFI source.
Time is of essence for Team India
The two-week rest recommendation poses a significant challenge. While Anshu’s medical report indicates some recovery progress with activities like brisk walking, the race against time to achieve peak fitness before the competition remains daunting.
India will be anxiously monitoring Anshu’s progress in the coming weeks. Her participation in the Olympics will depend on her ability to recover quickly and demonstrate her fitness to compete at the highest level.
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