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Anshu Malik, India's 57kg wrestling sensation, is honing her skills in the hallowed halls of Nippon Sports Science University in Yokohama, Japan. Under the watchful eyes of legendary wrestlers Kaori Icho and Chikara Tanabe, Anshu is sparring with Japan's elite wrestlers, seeking to elevate her technique and prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics.After three hours of intense sparring with world champions like Yui Sasaki, Akari Fujinami, and Tsugumi Sakurai, Anshu takes a brief respite before returning for a second session of grueling training. The Land of the Rising Sun has become a crucible for Anshu's growth, inspiring her to reach new heights in her young career.At 22, Anshu has already made her mark as an Olympian and a World Championships silver medalist. However, she is determined to make a splash in Paris and prove her mettle on the global stage. "I have improved a lot from Tokyo," she says. "In Tokyo, I was a teenager with technical deficiencies. I have matured as a wrestler in these three years."This is Anshu's third training stint at Japan's invitation-only facility, which has produced some of the country's greatest wrestling talents. The world-class guidance has been invaluable, as evidenced by her impressive performance at the Olympic qualifier selection trial in Patiala.Anshu's 57kg division is one of the most competitive in the world. Her major challengers include Nigeria's Odunayo Folasade Adekuoroye, Moldova's Anastasia Nichita, and USA's Helen Maroulis. "I have competed against them and my bouts have always been close," she says. "I understand their gameplan well. Ultimately, it will boil down to that particular day."Off the mat, Anshu enjoys cooking as a therapeutic hobby. She also credits her father, Dharamvir Malik, for her unwavering support and relentless training. "Since the day we first stepped on the mat, papa told me to think of him as an enemy," she says. "He shows no mercy, gives no respite. Off the mat, he is a friend with whom I can share everything."Anshu's journey to the Paris Olympics is filled with both challenges and opportunities. With her unwavering determination and the support of her mentors, she is poised to make a mark on the world stage and bring glory to India.

Vinesh Phogat, Anshu Malik, and Reetika have all advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Olympic Qualifier in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, putting them one step closer to securing a quota for the Paris Olympics.Vinesh, competing in the 50kg category, dominated her opponents with ease. She quickly dispatched her Korean rival Miran Cheon in just 1 minute and 39 seconds, followed by a swift victory over Cambodia's Smanang Dit. Vinesh's strong hold and gut wrench moves proved too much for her opponents.Anshu Malik, the 2021 World Championship silver medalist, also had a strong performance. She received a direct entry into the quarterfinals and defeated Kyrgyzstan's Kalmira Bilimbekova by technical superiority.U23 world champion Reetika (76kg) showcased her class by outclassing Eunju Hwang of Korea and Davaanasan Enkh Amar of Mongolia. In her final group bout against China's Juang Wang, Reetika fought back after conceding six straight points to secure a narrow victory.Mansi Ahlawat (62kg) also advanced to the last-four with a 6-4 win over Kazakhstan's Irina Kuznetsova.However, Nisha Dahiya (68kg) was the only Indian wrestler who failed to reach the semifinals. Despite winning her opening bout against Sol Gum Pak of North Korea, she was outclassed by local favorite Meerim Zhumanazarova in round 2. Nisha's exhaustion from the previous bout proved costly, and she was unable to recover in the must-win round 3.The finalists at this competition will earn quotas for their respective countries. The last chance to win a Paris Games quota will be at the World Qualifiers in Turkey from May 9.