Anshu Malik and other Paris 2024 quota-winning women wrestlers appealed to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to avoid subjecting them to selection trials. They emphasized that every decision they make now will impact India’s medal chances at the Olympics. Anshu Malik, having previously competed at the Tokyo Games, understands the pressure and stakes involved.
Anshu Malik’s plea to WFI
Malik highlighted the need for mental peace during this crucial preparation phase. With only two months left until the Olympics, every day counts. She plans her training meticulously, and any disruption—such as being called back to India for trials—could affect her medal prospects. Anshu also expressed her desire to attend an international training camp in Europe but faces uncertainty due to the impending trials.
“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.
Wrestling Update: India have so far won 5 Quota places (all Women):
✨ Vinesh Phogat (50kg)
✨ Antim Panghal (53kg)
✨ Anshu Malik (57kg)
✨ Nisha (68kg)
✨ Reetika (76kg)Final chance for Indian Men FS wrestlers to get Quota in next few days at World Olympic Qualifier pic.twitter.com/RYpp1YcMXs
— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) May 10, 2024
WFI’s trials for Olympic spots
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has called its selection committee meeting on May 21 in Delhi to decide on the trials criteria.
According to the criteria explained earlier, it was said that the wrestlers, who finished in the top-four at the last trials will compete against each other and the winner from the group will fight it out with the quota winner. Nisha Dahiya (68kg) and Reetika Hooda (76kg) are among the five women wrestlers who have secured quotas for India.
If selected, it will be 22-year-old Anshu’s second shot at an Olympic medal, having competed at the Tokyo Games. She had exceeded expectations by locking a quota in women’s 57kg category as a 17-year-old but lack of big-stage experience meant that she crashed out in the first round.
Also Read: India’s Neeraj Goyat to face UFC Legend Jose Aldo in his boxing debut? Find out details
 to avoid subjecting them to selection trials. They emphasized that every decision they make now will impact India’s medal chances at the Olympics.){kind=link}