Anshu Malik Suffers From Shoulder Injury During Training, WFI Seeks Status Report Of Wrestler

Anshu Malik, a strong medal contender at the Paris Olympics, has suffered a shoulder injury during training, forcing the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to seek a status report of the wrestler.

Anshu recently won a silver medal at the Ranking Series event in Budapest in the women’s 57kg class. She lost the final to China’s Kexin Hong.

The 22-year-old Anshu had qualified for the Games by winning a gold medal at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in April.

After the event in Budapest, Anshu returned to her centre – Mirchpur Academy in Haryana – and a week ago she developed pain in her left shoulder.

“During a training session she suffered from overexertion and as a precaution she stopped training. She also underwent an MRI and there is nothing to worry about. The scan is clean. She started training again two days ago,” said Anshu’s father and coach Dharamveer Malik told PTI. “We are leaving for Japan in a few days for a training camp,” Dharamveer added.

WFI chairman Sanjay Singh told PTI that there will be clarity in a day or two.

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“We were told that she has started light training. We have asked for a status report for a clear position. The coaches say she is fine. We will know the exact details in two days,” he said.

NSFs have until July 8 to change nominations.

Meanwhile, Indian national team coach Virender Dahiya said the contingent is preparing well for the Games.

“All our wrestlers are in a good rhythm. After the ranking series event in Budapest we stayed in the country for a training camp. The wrestlers got good sparring partners there. We hope for at least three medals this time,” Dahiya said.

“The protest disrupted the preparations, but everyone has been working hard now. Vinesh Phogat has experience behind her, a lot will be expected from her,” he added.

India will field six wrestlers for the Games, with Aman Sehrawat being the only male wrestler in the team.