Was Taunted For Wrestling, Olympic Medal My Reply: Sakshi Malik To NDTV

New Delhi: Wrestler Sakshi Malik made the entire country proud when she won a historic bronze at the Rio Olympics last month. However, the journey to the podium was definitely not easy.

"I used to be taunted for being a wrestler, Olympic medal is my reply," said the 24-year-old, who wanted to wrestle because her state, Haryana, had a great tradition and this was the sport kids around her were playing.

Speaking at NDTV's Youth For Change Conclave in New Delhi today, Ms Malik recalled how as a sportsperson she never lost faith in herself, despite injuries.

"If you choose a life of sports, there will be ups and downs. I was injured and it seemed life was over. But it wasn't I went on to win the Olympic medal. I tell other sportspersons as well, if I can get a medal even after a knee injury so can you," she said.

Drawing a comparison on how life has changed ever since she returned from Rio, she said, "I had gone alone and when came back I found the whole country with me."

She also recalled the match in which she became the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympic medal, and said, "In the final moments of the game, I was in a difficult spot. I had seen games turn in two seconds. I had nine. So I just went for it."

Sakshi Malik is among the five Indian women to have won an Olympic medal. The others are Karnam Malleshwari, Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.