Express News Service
CHENNAI: Before the selection trials at the SAI Training Centre, Lucknow, the head-to-head read 0-4 in favour of Sonam Malik. On Monday, Sakshi Malik had other ideas. She was not going to give up her place for Commonwealth Games. When the bout ended, the 2016 Rio Olympic bronze medallist booked the flight ticket to Birmingham in July and the head-to-head now reads 1-4.
Amidst the flourishing rivalry between the two, these consecutive losses have taken a toll on Sakshi’s mind. Like all athletes, confidence while facing the same opponent to whom she had lost in the last four ties since 2020, was shattering. Sakshi realised it and on the advise of a friend, she approached a psychologist around four months ago.
“I was always physically fit to take on any opponents but mentally something was missing especially whenever I faced her (Sonam),” Sakshi told this daily. Adding further, the 62kg wrestler said, “The sessions with psychologist proved to be immensely helpful as I reclaimed my place in the 62kg weight category.”
The same was reflected in the results as the Railways’ grappler blanked Sonam 6-0 in the semifinals to storm into the final where she beat Manisha 8-4 to book her national berth.
Incidentally, Manisha defeated her in selection trials held in March to get selected in the Indian team for Asian Championships. Manisha had won bronze. Earlier in the Lucknow trials, Sakshi had beaten Sanju Devi, who had recently won a 59kg gold medal at Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov in Bulgaria, and Kusum to enter the last-4.
For the record, Sakshi’s last international competition in 62kg was Yasar Dogu Ranking Series in Istanbul earlier this year.
Full story: newindianexpress.com
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