Indian wrestler, Anshu Malik, who failed to get a medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, has decided to take a short break from the sport and reflect on herself to come out stronger. The 23-year-old Indian wrestler, who bowed out of the women’s 57kg pre-quarterfinal round after defeat against USA’s Helen Louise Maroulis, aims to come out good as she aims to get physically and mentally fit.
Taking to her Instagram handle, Anshu Malik captioned her post, “It’s hard to accept, but this a game and winning and losing is part of it. It doesn’t matter what the result is, I LOVE WRESTLING.” “Now, this will be a new beginning for LA 2028. I know I’m a FIGHTER and will come back stronger than ever. But right now, I am taking a short break to get physically and emotionally fit. In the meantime, I’ll see where I need to make changes,” she further added.
It is to be noted that Malik showed great determination but could not breach the defence of USA’s seasoned campaigner, Helen Louise, losing 2-7 in the 57kg pre-quarters while competing in her second Olympic Games. The Indian wrestler secured the Paris Olympics quota from the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in April this year. She further went on to win a silver at Budapest Ranking Series.
Anshu Malik reflects her journey till Paris Olympics; vows to comeback stronger
Sharing her thoughts after Paris Olympics 2024 concluded on Sunday, August 11, Malik said, “The Olympics are now over, and with it, the dream that I had for 12 years is also over. In 2012, when I started wrestling, I told my father that I would win a medal in the 2024 Olympics. Everyday, I work just for that day; every night, I dream just to get it. But it didn’t turn out the way I thought it would.”
“This journey was not easy at all. There were a lot of injuries, many defeats and many victories too. Had emotional and mental breakdowns many times. The last two years were very difficult for me. Yes, I did not win a medal. But, I am happy that despite all these, I represented my country in the Olympics,” she further added.
In the end, Malik went on to thank her supporters, team and family, while extending an apology to whoever was associated with her during the campaign till Paris Olympics. “I’m thankful to have such a great team and family. Mummy, Papa, my coach @ogq_india @viren_rasquinha @ashishkochar3 @dharamyadav2211 @shubham_sportsphysio @teejaykaur @abdulwahidphysio @yatinbhatkar87 @_vijendrapalsingh @iam_sach11 Maybe I would not have been able to reach here without you. In last I apologize to all of you that I could not achieve what we all worked so hard for. It didn’t happen this time but I promise it will happen one day,” she concluded.