Sakshi Malik will be competing in her first Olympics for India. (Source: Facebook)
Sakshi Malik, 23: Hailing from Rohtak district in Haryana, Sakshi Malik had lived in Geeta Phogat’s shadow from most of her career so far. But she finally got her chance to prove in Olympic qualifying event in Istanbul where she defeated a former world champion to qualifying for Rio. A multiple national champion, Sakshi had to fight boys early in her career and face social issues with women not allowed to participate in wrestling in Haryana. She took up wrestling in 2002 under coach Ishwar Dahiya and since then has won several tournaments including gold medals in national tournaments
Event: Wrestling (58kg women’s category)
Event date: August 15-18
Qualifying Event: 2nd World Olympic Qualifiers in Istanbul
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Career Highlights: Bronze in Asian Championships 2015, Silver in Commonwealth Games 2014
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