Anshu Malik got emotional after missing out on a gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022. Malik lost to Nigerian wrestler Odunayo Adekuoroye in the final of women’s freestyle 57 kg category.
Anshu’s silver is India’s first medal in wrestling at the event. In the first event, Adekuoroye won four technical points. In the second period, Anshu tried to make a comeback but ended up losing the game by 3-7.
This is India's 21st medal at the event. Also, it is India's first medal on Day 7 at the games.
Anshu, who has taken rapid strides in her career, reached the women's 57kg final with similar dominance but ended up second-best with a silver medal.
The Nidani wrestler, who turned 21 on Friday, won by technical superiority against Australia's Irene Symeonidis and Sri Lanka's Nethmi Ahinsa Fernando Poruthotage.
It did not take Anshu much time to measure her opponents. Her trademark aggression and quality was too hot to handle for her rivals till the gold medal bout.
The World Championship silver medallist though could not breach the defence of Nigeria's Odunayo Folasade Adekuoroye, losing the gold bout 3-7. The Nigerian was strong with her defence and Anshu could not find a way to make her moves.
She left mat with tears in her eyes as it was not the birthday present she wanted to give herself.
