Indian Wrestling star Sakshi Malik who is an Olympic bronze medalist remains optimistic about getting another chance to contest for a Tokyo Olympics chance coming up in Japan later this year.
She is putting her preparations in top gear for the coming Asian Wrestling Championship, which will kick off on the 18th-23rd of February 2020. Sakshi lost to Sonam Malik, who is a two-time world Cadet champion in the 62kg category in the run-in for the Asian World Olympics qualifiers.
Sakshi said, ” I am having high hopes for another round of trials. If I get to qualify, I will have a couple of more chances, which are the Asian World Olympics qualifiers and the World Olympics qualifiers. I aim to qualify in the two competitions”.
When asked about her level of preparation for the tournaments, she added, ” I’m preparing hard for the AWC, and it has been great so far. I have made promises to myself to give the best and win medals irrespective of the competition. My techniques have improved, and I am trying to avoid a repeat of my mistakes in previous tournaments”.
Sonam Malik found herself behind Sakshi Malik 4-6 in the trial match for the Asian Olympic games qualifiers but drew level 10-10 towards the tail end of the game, amine which saw her earned extra four points which resulted in the elimination of Sonam.
Sakshi has given more explanation for the upcoming AWC talking about the difference in the weight category, saying she will be competing in the 65kg, and she has been watching opponents in the same weight category as her to help in making some tactical moves.
Sakshi Malik must be focused and dedicated to making the Olympics this year to realize her dream of winning medals.
Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi