Brimming with pride at their daughter’s historic achievement at the Rio Games, wrestler Sakshi Malik’s parents on Thursday said her feat should set an example for all.
Sakshi clinched a historic bronze medal in the 58kg class to end India’s frustrating wait for a medal in the Rio Olympic Games.
“Parents support is very necessary and we have tried to give that to her in every way. When she won medals in Commonwealth game and Asian Champions, people who in the beginning used to criticise us came up to us and started appreciating,” Sakshi’s father, Subir Malik, said.
“I would like other girls to take inspiration from her, enter sports and do wonders. To all fathers who feel that their daughters should not enter sports field, she should be an example. Even the Haryana govt. supports girls to enter sports,” he added.
Mr. Subir said they had always backed her in her endeavours.
“Her grandfather was also a wrestler. She saw him and got motivated to enter this field. She never regretted her decision till date. After winning she told me that I fulfilled your wish and got the medal for the country, I was in tears. I want her to play at the Tokyo Olympics and win gold there,” he said.
Sakshi’s mother Sudesh Malik said, “There were many people who used to tell me in the beginning that she is a girl and why are you putting her in wrestling, there is too much hard work but I supported her. When she started getting medals people stopped speaking.”
COMMents
SHARE