Vinesh, Anshu clinch titles in fine comebacks from injuries

The senior wrestler, a face of last year's protests, and the youngster win their divisions at the Jaipur senior nationals

- Avishek Roy

Soon after Anshu Malik won her revenge bout against Sarita Mor and sealed a fine comeback from injury, she crossed to the other side of the stage where Vinesh Phogat was anxiously waiting for her own final to start. Anshu hugged her and they had a hearty laugh. Bitterness, if any, seemed to have melted away. Indian wrestling once again looked united.

Differences had cropped up among wrestlers last year after Vinesh and Bajrang Punia were given entry for the Hangzhou Asian Games without selection trials. Many teammates, including Anshu, had criticised that. But that's all in the past now. This Olympic year, Indian wrestling needs the stalwarts and youngsters to join forces.

Moments after Anshu's victory (59kg) at the national championships, Vinesh scripted her own comeback in 55kg. This was her first tournament in a year-and-a-half. She had spent the last five months in rehab after a knee surgery. The path to Paris Olympics might be tough for Vinesh, but she is not bowing out without a fight. And her uphill climb started at the Railways Stadium on Sunday.