As most Indian slept, a girl from Rohtak was busy creating history in Rio during the ongoing Olympics games.
Sakshi Malik on Thursday came from behind to beat Aisuluu Tynybekova 8-5 in the bronze medal play-off in 58kg category, thereby ending India’s medal drought at Rio Olympics.
Sakshi became only fourth Indian woman athlete to win an Olympic medal after Karnam Malleshwari, Mary Kom and Saina Nehwal.
The 23-year-old wrestler is from Rohtak in Haryana. There were scenes of jubilation at Sakshi’s house in Haryana after her historic win.
Her mother, Sudesh Malik, told ANI, “India’s daughter has stopped India’s medal drought. So proud of her.”
Haryana government announced a reward of Rs 2.5 crore and a government job for the athlete, while the Railways said it would present her a reward of Rs 50 lakh.
Sakshi’s feat assumed significance in light of medal drought faced by the Indian contingent in Rio.
Her feat sent sports lover Indian into frenzy with congratulatory messages. Politicians, film stars and sports icons all took to social media to express the gratitude on behalf of the nation.
Here are some examples:
Congratulations Sakshi Malik. U have made the whole nation proud. https://t.co/ynuDlF15RX
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 18, 2016
रक्षाबंधन पर देश की बेटी का देश को उपहार.जय हो भारतपुत्री? #SakshiMalik #RakshaBandhan https://t.co/Hw0Dx6pejO
— Dr Kumar Vishvas (@DrKumarVishwas) August 18, 2016
#SakshiMalik is a reminder of what cn happn if u don't kill a girl child.When d going gets tough,its our girls who get going &save our pride
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 18, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS #SakshiMalik..proud of your achievement.
— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) August 18, 2016
Poora Bharat is baat ka Sakshi hai,jab koi bht mushkil ho toh is desh ki ladkiyan hi Malik hain.Thank U#SakshiMalik pic.twitter.com/YfHgRqxwTM
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 18, 2016
Congratulations #SakshiMalik for making us proud ?? ? You go girl!
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) August 18, 2016
#sakshimalik thank you. Proud of every indian athlete that is fighting the best to make us shine. #respecttheeffortnotjusttheresult
— Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) August 18, 2016
#SakshiMalik We want you to know that India loves you.
Go Girl …We celebrate you with pride. pic.twitter.com/CkfMsppotY— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) August 18, 2016
Dear @anilvijminister ; couldn't see you anywhere cheering Haryana girl #SakshiMalik. Rio mein kahan ghoom rio hai bhai?? Sakal na dikhe???
— Yashwant Deshmukh ?? (@YRDeshmukh) August 18, 2016
Our very own #SakshiMalik makes India proud! With Sakshi's family in Rohtak for Rio send-off last month 🙂 pic.twitter.com/dKSGCOu3m7
— Deepender S Hooda (@DeependerSHooda) August 18, 2016
Bow down to #SakshiMalik 's mother as well,who encouraged her 2 pursue wrestling.Tdy a country of1.25bn is rejoicing
— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) August 18, 2016
Dear Indian Men, send some rakhis to #SakshiMalik since #SakshiWinsBronze at wrestling and can protect you better than anyone else
— Anu (@NobodysDamsel) August 18, 2016