Anshu Malik is an Indian amateur wrestler who competes in the women's freestyle category. She represents India in international competition and has been part of the Indian senior wrestling squad in the 57 kg weight class. She drew wide attention after winning a silver medal at the 2021 Senior World Wrestling Championships, becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of the senior world championships.
| Name | Anshu Malik |
|---|---|
| Sport | Wrestling (freestyle) |
| Weight category | 57 kg |
| Country | India |
| Home state | Haryana |
| Home district | Jind |
| Notable result | Silver, 2021 World Wrestling Championships |
Anshu Malik comes from Nidani village in the Jind district of Haryana, a region long associated with India's wrestling traditions and akhara culture. She was introduced to the sport within her family; her father, Dharamveer Malik, is a former international wrestler, and her uncle Pawan Malik also wrestled at a competitive level. She trained in her formative years at the Chaudhary Bharat Singh Memorial Sports School in Nidani, an institution closely linked with the development of wrestlers from the area.
Malik built her record at the cadet and junior levels before transitioning to senior competition. She won medals at the Asian Cadet and Asian Junior Wrestling Championships and represented India at the World Cadet and World Junior Championships, establishing herself as one of the most consistent age-group wrestlers in her weight class.
At senior level, Malik has competed primarily in the 57 kg freestyle category. Her senior breakthroughs include:
Malik is known for an attacking style built around leg attacks and quick scoring exchanges. Her silver medal at the 2021 World Championships was regarded as a landmark in Indian women's wrestling, extending the progress made earlier by wrestlers such as Geeta Phogat, Babita Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat. Her rise has also reinforced Haryana's continuing role as the principal supplier of talent to Indian wrestling.