Representing one’s country at the Olympics is a great honour for any athlete and one that they prepare for it all their lives. Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik, who has qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in the 58 kg category, is no different to that concept and had been harnessing these dreams ever since she started wrestling. In an exclusive interview to Sportskeeda, she spoke about her qualification and India’s best bets for a medal at the 2016 games.
Malik, who belongs to Rohtak in the state of Haryana, said that she had always dreamed of representing India at the Olympics and worked really hard for it. “It is every athlete’s dream to compete at the Olympics and for me, this is something I have been wanting since I was a child,” the 24-year-old said on phone.
A fairy-tale of sorts has shaped up for young Sakshi Malik, who first shot to limelight when she won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in India and has not looked back since. Recollecting 2014, Malik explained, “Winning the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games was a big thing for me and it gave me the confidence boost I needed to prepare for the Olympics. I hope I can win a medal and make the country proud.”
Also read: Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik qualifies for Rio Olympics 2016
The Indian wrestling contingent will feature three women including Malik, Babita Kumari and Vinesh Phogat, at the 2016 Olympic Games. Malik, on her part, feels that all three are putting a lot of effort but Phogat has the best chance of getting a medal this time. “Out of all of us, I think Vinesh has a high chance of getting a medal, given her talent and hard work. I am confident that she can return with a medal.”
She did not take sides in the ongoing Sushil Kumar-Narsingh Yadav debate and said that it was up to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to make the final decision. Upon being asked about the abilities of both Kumar and Yadav, Malik said both were extremely talented and would do at the Olympics. “If you look at the performances of Narsingh Yadav in the past year or so, he has been terrific. If he can do it at the World Championships, then why not in Rio?”
“There is no need to describe the abilities of Sushil Kumar. He has done India proud on several occasions and is a proven athlete,” she concluded.
India will be sending its largest ever contingent to the Olympics and there is a lot of positivity around the Rio Games. And with youngsters like Sakshi Malik making the cut, there is no doubt that things are only going to get better.
