Female wrestler Sakshi Malik has secured India’s first medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, ushering in a sense of relief across the country. The 23-year-old Indian defeated Kyrgyzstan’s Aisuluu Tynybekova in a dramatic finish in the 58kg freestyle wrestling category, making a comeback in the final seconds to win 8-5.After her victory Malik jogged around the wrestling arena, carrying the Indian flag before collapsing on the mat as true realisation of her feat sank in.
She is the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympic medal. Born in northern conservative Haryana state, adjoining New Delhi, where women were only recently allowed to wrestle, Malik is India’s fourth female athlete to climb the Olympic victory podium.
India’s first medal at Rio Olympics
