Sakshi Malik’s family celebrate the bronze medal win

New Delhi : Just as Sakshi Malik clinched her play-off and won the bronze medal in the women’s freestyle wrestling event at Rio 2016 Olympics, there were scenes of complete joy and tears in the Malik household in Haryana. Her mother, Sudesh, jumped in joy and kissed the TV as her daughter reversed a 0-5 bout to win 8-5.

The emotions were of complete joy with dance, music and fireworks late into the night in one Rohtak household and there was no stopping them as the early morning light shone bright.

Sakshi’s mother was relieved after her daughter’s win and informed the 23-year-old was not at all tired after fighting continuous bouts.

“I asked her if she was tired,she said nobody feels tired after winning a medal for country,” Sudesh Malik told ANI.

Sukhbir Malik, Sakshi’s father, was short of words to explain or express his feelings. His daughter had opened India’s account and he was extremely happy.

“Kya keh sakta hun (what should I say), I literally have no words to express my feelings,”said Sukhbir.

Malik Sr. further added that he got very emotional after seeing his daughter win the first medal for the country. “She has won the first medal for the country, I got tears in my eyes. A big day for all of us.”

The family clung on to each other and hugged as Sakshi stood atop the podium with her brother Sachin also in joy on Raksha Bandhan. “I don’t think there is bigger gift than her bronze medal. I couldn’t ask for more. I just love her,” he said.