Sakshi Malik, born on September 3, 1992, in Rohtak, Haryana, made history as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in wrestling. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she secured the bronze in the 58 kg category, marking a milestone in Indian sports history. Malik’s journey to this achievement is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and courage in breaking societal barriers.
Sakshi Malik was born in Mokhra village in Haryana’s Rohtak district. Her father, Sukhbir Malik, was a bus conductor, and her mother, Sudesh Malik, worked as a health clinic supervisor. Wrestling runs in her family, and it was her grandfather, Badlu Ram, also a wrestler, who inspired her to pursue the sport. Malik began her wrestling training at the age of 12 under the guidance of coach Ishwar Dahiya at Chhotu Ram Stadium in Rohtak.
Malik’s first significant success came at the 2010 Junior World Championships, where she won the bronze medal in the 58 kg freestyle category. Her passion and commitment to wrestling were evident, and she continued to rise through the ranks. In 2014, she won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and a bronze medal at the Asian Wrestling Championships in Doha in 2015.
Sakshi Malik became the first Indian woman to win a medal in wrestling at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She secured the bronze medal in the 58 kg freestyle category, making history as the first female wrestler from India to achieve this feat. Her victory marked a significant moment for Indian sports, inspiring many young athletes, especially women, to pursue wrestling.
Sakshi Malik’s historic achievement earned her widespread recognition in India. In 2017, the Government of India awarded her the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honor. She was also bestowed with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting award. Her accolades came with numerous cash prizes and promotions, including a promotion to a gazetted officer rank in the Indian Railways.
Sakshi Malik continued her wrestling career, winning gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. However, in 2023, she announced her retirement from wrestling, citing issues related to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Malik has been actively involved in the protests against the alleged misconduct of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, expressing her grief and frustration over the state of Indian wrestling.
Sakshi Malik is married to fellow wrestler Satyawart Kadian, and she holds a master’s degree in physical education from Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak. Following her Olympic success, she was appointed as the wrestling director of her alma mater.
Sakshi Malik’s journey from a small village in Haryana to the Olympic podium has inspired countless young girls in India to pursue wrestling. She has broken barriers and challenged gender norms, paving the way for future generations of female athletes in the country.
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