Wrestling World Cup: Teenager Anshu Malik settles for silver

Wrestling World Cup: Teenager Anshu Malik settles for silver

Anshu Malik

Anshu Malik
Anshu Malik

Youngster Anshu Malik’s terrific run at the ongoing Wrestling World Cup came to an end after she lost 1-5 to Anastasia Nichita of Moldova in the 57kg gold-medal contest. The 19-year-old settled for silver as she ensured India’s first medal in the tournament in Belgrade, Bulgaria. 

The first half of the match was evenly poised where the Moldovan ended with having a slender 1-0 lead, thanks to a passivity point gifted by Malik. However, the things turned around once the second half started. Anshu did not seem to have any answers to an aggressive Nichita and had to settle for a silver.

Anshu’s frustration was clearly visible when she tried to push the opponent off the mat twice during the final minute to gain some last-moment points. Those efforts went in vain as the Mondolvan cruised to an easy victory.

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Anshu’s father, Dharamvir, a former international wrestler expressed his satisfaction with his daughter’s performance. Dharamvir said that it would give a massive boost to the 2017 world cadet and 2019 Asian junior champion ahead of the Olympic qualifying cycle.

“It was a tough match, but she didn’t give up,” Dharamvir said from Nidani village, in Haryana’s Jind district. “Her overall performance in the competition was good. When she comes back, we will discuss how to go forward to the next meeting.”

SAI congratulated the silver-medalist Anshu Malik 

The official Twitter handle of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) also wrote a congratulatory message for Anshu Malik. 

“Anshu wins silver! Many congratulations to #AnshuMalik for winning a silver medal in the women’s 57 kg at the Wrestling World Cup in Serbia after a battling display against Anastasia Nichita in the final. This is India’s 1st medal at the event. #WrestleBelgrade @KirenRijiju,” SAI wrote.

On the other hand, India’s other competitor for the day, Ravi Kumar Dahiya failed to impress. The 57kg category wrestler, who has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, lost in the quarterfinals.

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