Sakshi Malik celebrates after winning bronze in the women’s 58 kg category. (Source: Reuters)

Sakshi Malik ended India’s wait for a medal at Rio 2016 Olympics on Wednesday when she won the bronze medal bout in thrilling fashion, fighting back from 0-5 down to pocket it 8-5. The medal triggered late-night celebrations across the country and Rohtak was not too far behind.

Malik’s residence was in festive mood after they saw their daughter stand on the podium. The family celebrated with dance, music and fireworks and emotions ran high during all the celebrations and cheers. Sakshi’s mother was relieved after her daughter’s win and informed the 23-year-old was not at all tired after fighting back-to-back 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 exremely 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.”

Sudesh said that it was a proud moment for the Malik household that their daughter ended the drought. “India’s daughter has stopped India’s medal drought. So proud of her.”

WATCH: Moment when #SakshiMalik ‘s family saw their daughter end India’s medal drought at the Rio Olympics pic.twitter.com/mkGcx6LwQg

— ANI (@ANI_news) 17 August 2016

With the medal, Sakshi became the fourth Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympics. She is only the first Indian woman wrestler to stand  on the podium at Olympics.

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