I never thought I would become the first woman wrestler from India to bag an Olympic medal: Sakshi Malik

After ending India’s agonising wait for an Olympic medal at the Rio Games with a bronze medal, Indian women wrestler Sakshi Malik said it was the result of her 12 years of persistent hard work, says a report in The Indian Express, quoting Sakshi.

“Meri 12 saal ki tapasya rang layi (It’s the result of my 12 years’ fight for day and night). Geeta didi, my senior had qualified for the first time in London,” Sakshi said after the win.

“I never thought I would become the first woman wrestler from India to bag an Olympic medal in wrestling. I hope the remaining wrestlers will also do well,” Sakshi added.

Rohtak today erupted in joy and celebrations after local girl Sakshi Malik made Haryana and the country proud by winning a Bronze medal in wrestling at the Rio Olympics.

According to a report in The Economics Times, Rohtak today erupted in joy and celebrations after local girl Sakshi Malik made Haryana and the country proud by winning a Bronze medal in wrestling at the Rio Olympics.

“People from all walks of life including ministers, politicians, SAI officials made a beeline to Sakshi's house at Mokhra village in Rohtak district to congratulate the family for clinching a medal in the 58 kg category in the Olympics,” says the report.

""I have been receiving so many calls on my mobile phones for congratulatory messages ever since my daughter won the medal at Rio Olympic games," said Sudesh Malik, mother of Sakshi as the family was busy in distributing sweets to everyone who came to congratulate the wrestler's family.”

Several leaders including Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Sports minister Anil Vij, Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda congratulated Sakshi for her historic feat.

Meanwhile, according to a report in The Times Of India, Sports minister Anil Vij, who is leading a delegation at Rio Olympic Games, said international wrestler Sakshi has made the state and country proud by winning the country its first medal at Rio. Vij also extended good wishes to Sakshi and her family members on behalf of the people of the state and country.

Vij in a release said that the state government would honour Sakshi with cash award of Rs 2.5 crore as per its sports policy. He hoped that the other sportspersons of the state would also prove their mettle in coming events by winning medals.