While expressing delight and exuberance over Sakshi Malik’s bronze medal victory at the Rio Olympics, coach Kuldeep Singh admitted that there was “double pressure” on the Indian wrestling contingent to end the country’s agonising wait for a medal in the prestigious quadrennial event here.
The 23-year-old from Haryana produced a sensational comeback to overturn a 5-0 deficit against reigning Asian champion Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan, registering eight points in the second period of play to win the bronze medal match in the women’s freestyle 58 kg category in Rio on Wednesday.
“I am overwhelmed for what she has done. I’ll remain indebted to her all my life. There was double pressure on us to perform as India hadn’t opened its account on the medal tally till then,” a visibly ecstatic Kuldeep told here.
“But I had faith on Sakshi that she will make it. I would like to request all the Indians to give their well wishes to other players as well, as they did in case of Sakshi,” the coach added.
With the win, Sakshi became the fourth Indian woman athlete to win an Olympic medal after Karnam Malleshwari, Mary Kom and Saina Nehwal.
After going down 2-9 against Russia’s Valeriia Koblova in the quarter-finals, Sakshi received another chance at a medal via repechage and made full use of the second life by outplaying Mongolian wrestler Orkhon Purevdorj 12-3 to advance to the bronze-medal match.
She also became the fourth Indian wrestler to win a medal in Olympics after Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt.
CELEBRITIES HAIL SAKSHI MALIK'S OLYMPIC WIN
A string of celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, Ajay Devgn and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra have praised wrestler Sakshi Malik, who has ended India's long wait for a medal at the ongoing Rio Olympics.
Malik clinched the bronze medal in the Women's Freestyle 58kg category on Wednesday night even as the Indian challenge in other disciplines continue to falter.
Here is what celebs had to say after her win:
Amitabh Bachchan: The women of India doing us so proud, especially in wrestling...Sakshi you made us proud Indians! Come on!
Karan Johar: The innocent smile of achievement and our smile is of immense pride... Sakshi Malik is the hope for the future.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra: Today you inspire 125 crore and many more. The nations salutes you.
Akshay Kumar: Here comes the first! Thank you and congratulations. You're the reason for a billion smiles today.
Anil Kapoor: Congratulations Sakshi Malik! Stars like you make India shine.
Ajay Devgn: We want you to know that India loves you. Go girl...We celebrate you with pride.
Madhur Bhandarkar: Salute to the daughter of India for overcoming challenges and bringing cheers to millions of Indians by winning the first medal.
Manoj Bajpayee: Congratulations Sakshi Malik. Entire nation is rejoicing on your achievement. Thank you.
Riteish Deshmukh: The Indian flag flies high. You have made every Indian proud. Congratulations on the Olympic Bronze.
Siddharth Malhotra: Thank you! Our new and deserving star! What a day for women and women's wrestling in our country!
Dia Mirza: What a wonderful picture of Victory.
Rahul Bose: Saw Sakshi Malik on the mat yesterday. Terrific tenacity and power. Congratulations!
Ayushmann Khurrana: And India gets a medal in Olympics. Woman power! Hail Sakshi Malik!
Vishal Dadlani: Congratulations Sakshi Malik! Congratulations India! Woohoo!
Aditi Rao Hydari: Congratulations Sakshi Malik. Girl power on Raksha bandhan.
Suniel Shetty: Painting Rio tricolour! So proud. Sakshi Malik.
Milap Zaveri: Sakshi Malik does India proud by winning our first medal at Rio! Congrats on the bronze! More power to you!
Neha Dhupia: I salute the woman, the athlete and the Indian in you. What a fantastic win and what a glorious moment. Congratulations.
