First lady

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 7

A billion hopes were riding on the young shoulders of Anshu Malik in Oslo, Norway, during the World Wrestling Championships. She had already made history by winning her 57kg semifinal on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final at the World Championships.

However, the 20-year-old from Nidani village, Jind in Haryana, fell short in her quest to become the first Indian woman wrestler and second from the country after Sushil Kumar to become a world champion. Her shoulder gave way as she lost via fall to Helen Maouralis of USA, 2016 Olympics gold medallist (53kg) and 2020 bronze medal winner (57kg).

Anshu, the reigning Asian Championships gold medallist, was in control of the final in the first period as she thwarted all the attacks of the American wrestler. She led 1-0 after the first period from a passivity point. But all changed seconds into the second period when Maroulis first scored a two-point take-down and then accrued another two points for exposure and then pinned Anshu to win.

In the process, Anshu suffered a suspected shoulder injury. Her long-time coach Jagdish Sheoran was a bit disappointed with the result.

“She fought well, especially in the first period. I was happy with the way she kept attacking and thwarted Helen’s attempts to attack her legs,” Sheoran told The Tribune minutes after her loss. “I think experience and age factor tilted the bout in Helen’s favour. I cannot find fault with the way Anshu fought in this World Championships. We are all proud of her,” he added.

Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat congratulated Anshu.

“Anshu what a fighter you are!!! Super proud of you.. You are not so far from the top of the world.. just keep going with this same passion and hard work.!! Many many congratulations for your Second place medal at the world championship..!,” Vinesh wrore on Twitter.

Sarita wins bronze

In the day’s other medal match-up involving an Indian wrestler, Sarita Mor defeated Sara Johanna Lindborg 8-2 to clinch the bronze medal.

Sarita became the fifth Indian woman, after Geeta Phogat (2012), Babita Phogat (2012), Pooja Dhanda (2018) and Vinesh Phogat (2019), to return with a bronze medal from the World Championships.