Anshu Malik created history at the World Wrestling Championships by becoming the first Indian woman to win silver medal at the Championships. The 20-year-old put up a strong fight but lost to two-time Olympic medallist Helen Maroulis of the USA in the finals. Tokyo Olympic bronze-medalist Bajrang Punia sends his special message for the reigning Asian Champion during an exclusive interview with Sports Tak.
“Yes, definitely, I would like to congratulate Anshu via your medium. She would have created history if she would have won the gold medal as she would have become the first Indian woman. She is 20-year-old, she still has a long career ahead of her. I am hopeful she will create more historic performances.”
The Nidani wrestler picked up an ankle injury in her quarterfinal bout against Asian silver medalist Erkkhembayar Davaachimeg and was nursing an old elbow injury and if not for these injuries, Anshu would have won the gold medal, feels 2018 World Championship silver medalist.
“When a wrestler has an injury, they stay away from the mat for a very long time. It depends how the injury is because one can have small injuries in wrestling. But the way Anshu had taping, I believe the injury was serious. She competed well and it was a good performance from her because country was expecting a medal from the Olympics as well. But she couldn’t win there. She would be satisfied that she won the medal post Olympics in the World Championships.It would have been a good fight if she was fit. I won’t say she would have won the gold, but, she would have given a best fight from her end and it could have been a gold medal as well," said the Tokyo Olympic bronze-medalist.
It was Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat, who gave India two medals in 2012 and it is for the first time since 2012 that Indian women have brought home two World Championships medals again.
“After 2018 Pooja Dhanda won the bronze medal. In 2019 Vinesh Phogat also had won the bronze medal. So, have two medals after that- silver and bronze and wrestling is improving. Even if you look at the Olympic performance and even the World Championships, so, I think wrestling is making its scope in India.”
Punia also had a word of appreciation for Sarita Mor, who grabbed her maiden medal at the big event by winning the 59kg bronze.
Sarita also had a good fight. She lost the fight in the semi-finals by 3-0 and it was a good fight. Even the bronze medal fight was good. This motivates others that if Sarita and Anshu has won the medal then even we can win for the country," Punia concluded.
