Just a few months back, Sakshi Malik was the reason for pride for all Indians. Against all the odds, she went on to win the bronze medal at the Rio Olympics in wrestling and brought glory to the country. And yet, her ‘antics’ has been questioned on social media.
What are these ‘antics’ you might ask?
The wrestling champion posted a picture on her social media page trying out a new look. Some of her ‘fans’ were taken aback at her wearing clothes and taking pictures instead of training in the akhada! How dare she stop her training and enjoy her life even for one moment?
She should be training 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if not more. She should train to clinch a silver if not a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics. And wearing new clothes, taking photographs – all these are harnessing her preparation.
These ‘antics’ by the wrestler must not be put up with. So, some of her ‘fans’ took matters into their own hands and criticised the 24-year-old female wrestler. Comments like, “Focus on the akhada sweety. 2020 is just round the corner. These antics will fetch you money. But only sweat in the akhada will ensure you better your bronze”, “Try out new exercise routines instead!!”, flooded her post.
This gesture by some of her fans is surely set to take many aback. She has just won a medal for the country at the Olympics this year. And it’s not a crime to enjoy her spare time. Every young person wants to deck up once in a while and take pictures and post them on social media. It is normal.
Just because Sakshi is a medal-winning sportsperson, it does not mean that she cannot enjoy her life. It does not mean she has to train all through her day. More than you, she wants to win a medal at the Olympics, and she is training every day to do that. She does not need you to remind her what she has to do.
And who gives you the right to tell her what to do and what not to do? She is the only Indian female wrestler to have won an Olympic medal. Show her some respect and support, and maybe she can make the country proud once again.
