Sakshi Malik
About
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sakshi won the bronze medal in the 58 kg category, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics and the fourth female Olympic medalist from the country.
Sakshi began wrestling at the age of 12 and hasn't looked back since, becoming one of India’s Top female wrestlers.
Her first international triumph as a professional wrestler came when she won a silver medal in 2009 and a bronze medal in 2010 in the 58 kg freestyle category at the Junior World Championships.
Hailing from Rohtak, Haryana, a state notorious for female foeticide and a skewed sex ratio, Sakshi was often taunted and criticised; yet she went on to win several medals at Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Championships, and Olympics.
Sakshi Malik represented Colors Delhi Sultans in the second edition of the Pro Wrestling League held in January 2017.
She has also been featured in the women's day campaign called #EveryWomanStrong by JSW Group.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
- Sakshi won gold at Dave Schultz International Tournament in 2014.
- She won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Championships in 2013.
- Sakshi contested her first Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and won a silver medal in 2013.
- She received the ‘Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award’, the highest sporting honour in India in 2016.
- She received the ‘Padma Shri Award’, the fourth-highest Indian national honour in 2017.
- Sakshi won a gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Why Sakshi Malik ?
Sakshi Malik, India’s top female wrestler is nothing less than a hero. Coming from a male-dominated state and being criticised for her passion, Sakshi has won against preconceived notions and stubborn mindsets. Sakshi has not only won medals but paved the way for Indian Women at the Olympics. She has also won the hearts of millions in the country, making them proud, and standing as a true inspiration to all.
