Anshu Malik is a new hope on the block for India at the upcoming Asian Wrestling Championships 2020 in New Delhi. She has earned the 57kg berth in the Indian national women’s team with a surprising win over veteran Pooja Dhanda. The 18-year-old grappler will enter the Asian Championships with a weight of high expectations on young shoulders.
The teenager sounds confident. “This is my first Seniors (international event in India. There is no pressure. I will do my best and aim for the gold,” says Anshu. The confidence comes from her recent showing in India colours. She has won the silver at the world ranking series, going down 10-0 to the strong Nigerian opponent Odunayo Adekuoroye in the final.
The Haryana girl is fine tuning her weaknesses at the Wrestling Federation of India camp in Lucknow. The aim is to iron out the mistakes and gear up for the immediate challenge at hand – The Asian Wrestling Championships. Anshu is well aware of tough opponents she is going to face in New Delhi next week.
In a candid interview with WrestlingTV, Anshu gave an insight into her preparation for Asian Championship. Here are the excerpts:
Wrestling TV: How is training going for the Asian Championships? Are you working on any new techniques for the competition?
Anshu Malik: The training is going good. Yes, I am working new techniques and focusing on eradicating mistakes I made earlier in the Rankings Series and against Pooja Danda. The training is all about overcoming ones flaws and further strengthening the strong points.
Wrestling TV: What is your game plan for the tournament?
Anshu Malik: Game plan varies from opponent to opponent. But you will see an aggressive, attacking Anshu. I am working on my attacking skills and learning new techniques.
Wrestling TV: Who is your biggest opponent in the 57 kg category?
Anshu Malik: Both Chinese and Japanese grapplers are tough opponents to play against. I personally feel Risako Kawai of Japan is the toughest competitor in my category.
Wrestling TV: After you beat Pooja Danda, the hopes for a gold are on your shoulders. How are you handling the pressure?
Anshu Malik: This is my first Seniors (international event) in front of the home crowd. There is no pressure. I am confident and focussed on my game.
Wrestling TV: What are your targets after Asian Championship?
Anshu Malik: I will be focusing on the Asian Qualifiers which will be held in March. However, that planning for the tournament after the Asian Championship.
Anshu had shot into limelight after beating seasoned pro Pooja Dhanda in the qualifiers for a berth in the Asian Championships and Asian Olympics Qualifiers squads.
