The 2016 Rio Olympics so far have not been very kind to Indians, with us losing out athletes from the competition faster than the college canteen sells out Maggi.
After having lost out on most major events like Archery, track events, swimming and more, this win at last has come as a relief to the Indian people, who were just looking for at least something.
On August 17, Sakshi Malik claimed an iconic status by not just being the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Olympic category of wrestling, but also winning the first medal for India as a whole country.
Where many of veterans of Olympics lost and were unable to win even a bronze medal, Sakshi rose above them all, to save the pride of our country.
Sakshi Malik won against competitor Aisuluu Tynybekova from Kyrgyzstan by completing a two- point manuever and winning the bronze medal.
In an interview, she said that this medal is the result of 12 years of hard work and struggle. And it is heartening to see that she finally got the recognition that she deserves for all that she has worked
To be honest, I had given up any hope of India winning a medal at this Olympics, the odds seemed to be too against us.
But this news brought such joy and happiness to me and it truly speaks for something that it is an Indian daughter who brought an end to our medal drought and finally saved our face on this international sports event.
I mean, I don’t want to go on a whole feminist tangent, but it is another example of girls stepping up and making their name when given the chance and support.
And that to from a less known sport like wrestling, where the media coverage, funding and all are known to be not that much along with competing in a ‘boys only’ sport.
Apparently, Sakshi will also be awarded an impressive 3 and a half crore rupees on behalf of the government for this achievement.
Signing off, I would just like to press on the fact that once again it is the underdog and the invisible person, who rose above and beyond and did something to make the entire nation proud.
So don’t be hesitant to try out an unknown sport, or if you are girl don’t hesitate to try out for football or wrestling. And the same goes for boys too, who want to participate in ice skating or gymnastics or something that is considered to be girly and feminine.
Because when it comes down to it, sports are not feminine or masculine, it’s just the preconceived notions that society has thrust upon us. So, never step back from giving a sport you are interested in a try.
Who knows, you might be the next national treasure?
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