Air India on Friday offered two return business class tickets to Sakshi Malik who won bronze in women’s wrestling at the Olympic Games in Rio on Wednesday. In a letter to Malik, Ashwani Lohani wrote “As a mark of our recognition and gratitude for your outstanding achievement in the Rio Olympics, Air India is indeed proud to offer you two (for you and your companion) return business class tickets between any two destinations on the entire Air India network valid for a period of one year”. Malik fought five bruising battles in the 58kg category against equally determined opponents in a single day before securing the podium place. While she continued to make a difference by being a woman wrestler that too from a region like Haryana, the other thing that stands out his her will to support her family financially. Here is the entire letter:

Dear Sakshi,
The entire Air India family is indeed proud that you have won the first medal for the country in the Rio Olympics. Indeed your victory has made all of us very happy. I recently read your statement “I wanted to become a sportsperson to travel in an aeroplane” and was indeed touched by the same. As a mark of our recognition and gratitude for your outstanding achievement in the Rio Olympics, Air India is indeed proud to offer you two (for you and your companion) return business class tickets between any two destinations on the entire Air India network valid for a period of one year. To redeem your tickets, you may contact the Reservation Manager of Air India at Safdarjung Airport on any working day with a copy of this letter.

With Best Wishes
Ashwani Lohani

She is currently working in the commercial department of the Delhi Division of Northern Railway and will now be promoted as a Gazetted officer. She will also be posted in the Zonal Railway of her choice and awarded Rs 50 lakh, Indian Railways has said.