The Olympic qualifiers in Patiala were largely overshadowed by Vinesh Phogat's pursuit of Paris, as she fought across two weight classes (50kg and 53kg). Because of this, Anshu Malik's decisive victory over the seasoned Sarita Mor in the 57kg category didn't get the attention it deserved. However, this win is part of a winning streak for Malik, coming right after her gold in the 59kg division at last month's senior national championships in Jaipur. In a repeat of her Patiala performance, Malik beat the former world top-ranked Mor with a score of 8-3.
The selection trials for Olympic qualifiers in Patiala were anticipated to be all about Vinesh Phogat, who participated in two weight categories (50kg and 53kg) to keep her Paris chase on track. That means Anshu Malik’s overwhelming win over the experienced Sarita Mor in the 57kg division went unnoticed. Nonetheless, Malik’s win was her second in as many months, following her victory in the 59kg category at the senior national championships in Jaipur last month. Malik defeated the former world no.1 Mor 8-3, just as she had done in Patiala.
Winning against domestic opponents might not seem like a massive feat, but for the silver medalist of the 2021 Oslo World Championships, it represents a triumphant comeback from a string of injuries. She has faced significant setbacks, including surgery on her left elbow following the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a Grade II ligament tear in her left knee last year. Now fully focused on the Paris Games, conquering the selection trials is her primary objective to get back on the world stage.
The 22-year-old's hard work was on full display in Patiala. In a nail-biting final, she broke a 2-2 tie with only 25 seconds remaining on the clock to secure a 6-3 win. Reflecting on the pressure, Malik noted that with Paris so close, she views every single match as a must-win scenario where there's no room for mistakes. She admitted to feeling a surge of nerves as the clock wound down during that tight finish, but her determination to win pushed her through.
Addressing the perceived rivalry with Sarita, Malik was humble, noting that Sarita is a highly skilled athlete and a World Championship medalist, which is a massive achievement. Malik emphasized that her goal isn't about the specific opponent, but about dominating the match. She described her winning move as an instinctive reaction, though the technique actually originated 6,000 kilometers away at the Nippon Sports Science University in Yokohama. Through an exclusive invitation, Malik spent significant time sparring with elites like Kaori Icho, Yui Sasaki, and Akari Fujinami, gaining exposure to advanced techniques and a mental approach she had never encountered before.
Malik was most impressed by the humility of her Japanese partners, describing them as warm and genuinely invested in her growth. Among them is the legendary 39-year-old Kaori Icho, the first woman in any sport to secure gold in four consecutive Olympics (2004-16) and a 10-time world champion. She also trained with Yui Susaki, a four-time world champion in the 50kg class, and Akari Fujinami, the two-time defending 53kg world champion who has remained undefeated since 2017.