“Paris Games Quota Winners Seek Mental Peace Before Olympics: Women Wrestlers Urge Federation to Skip Selection Trials”

The Paris Games quota-winning women wrestlers are pleading with the national federation to not subject them to selection trials, as they believe every moment is crucial in their preparation for the Olympics. Anshu Malik, India’s first female wrestler to reach the senior World Championships final in 2021, emphasized the need for “mental peace” to focus on the Games.

Anshu Malik, who secured a quota for the women’s 57kg category, expressed concerns about the impact of trials on her body so close to the Olympics. She highlighted the importance of strategic planning and training without the distraction of additional trials.

Nisha Dahiya and Reetika Hooda, who also secured quotas for India, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for careful preparation and the avoidance of potentially injury-inducing trials.

Coaches and experts have also raised concerns about the risks of subjecting quota winners to trials at such a critical stage, fearing potential injuries that could hinder their performance at the Olympics.

The Wrestling Federation of India has called for a selection committee meeting to decide on the trials criteria, a decision that could have significant implications for the wrestlers’ mental and physical preparation for the upcoming Games.

As the athletes gear up for the Olympics, the plea for understanding and support in their preparation for Paris is a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice required to compete at the highest level of competition.