Anshu Malik Being Tested For COVID-19, Withdraws From Poland Open

On Friday, India's Olympic-bound wrestler, Anshu Malik had to withdraw from the Poland Open as she showed COVID-19 symptoms.

When she reported for weigh-in for the 57kg category, on Friday morning, it was found that she had a fever. Anshu Malik was then told to withdraw from the Poland Open.

"Anshu did not want to miss the competition but as a precautionary measure she has been isolated and has given a sample to confirm if she is infected with coronavirus or not," a source from the Indian camp told PTI.

The source then added that her fever didn't look like COVID-19, and that Malik has been fine, ever since she arrived at Warsaw. He then said that she is being tested for the virus, as no risks can be taken at such a time.

Anshu Malik's parents tested positive for COVID-19

About a month ago, Anshu Malik's parents had tested positive for COVID-19. She and her younger brother stayed in a hotel in Rohtak, till the time their parents recovered.

The 19-year-old wrestler had qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, through the Asian Olympic Qualifier, which was held in Almaty in April this year. She has now become the second Indian to withdraw from the last Ranking Series event, just ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

Deepak Punia withdrew from Poland Open

Earlier, Deepak Punia, an Olympic-bound, Indian freestyle wrestler had to withdraw from the men's freestyle 86kg competition due to an elbow injury.

At present, India has secured one silver medal, via Ravi Dahiya, who competed in the men's 61kg freestyle competition, at the Poland Open.

Meanwhile, among female wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat has now reached the 53kg final of the Poland Open with two contrasting wins in Warsaw on Friday.

She had to battle against Ekaterina Poleshchuk, a 2019 World bronze winner, in the opening bout.

The wrestler has already won won titles in Matteo Pellicone (March) and Asian Championship (April).