Sakshi Malik’s historic win at the Rio Olympics 2016 can in part by credited to the Indian Railways. Sakshi Malik, who won a bronze medal for India in the 58 kg category of women’s freestyle wrestling, is an Indian Railways’ employee. Sakshi is the first woman wrestler from India to bag an Olympics medal. 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.
So, what role did the Indian Railways play in her feat? According to a release, Indian Railways facilitated in her grooming and provided “all kinds of facilities, environment and incentives.” “The wrestling coach of Indian Railways Kuldeep Malik worked hard to prepare the Railway women wrestlers for the mega event of the Olympics,” says the release by the Ministry of Railways. Additionally, sports directorates of Indian Railways coordinated her training with the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs at every stage. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu congratulated Sakshi Malik saying, “The entire Indian Railways fraternity is feeling proud, as its employee has brought laurels for the nation.”
Also check: All you want to know about Sakshi Malik’s Rohtak to Rio trip
Malik ended India’s wait for a medal at the Olympics this year by pulling off a sensational 8-5 victory over Alsuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan in the play-off bout. Another Indian Railways employee Vinesh Phogat, who was also a medal hopeful in the 48 kg category was forced to retire hurt earlier. Indian Railways adds that it took the lead in raising the entire women wrestlers team of India. Almost one third of the Indian contingent at Rio Olympics 2016 comprises of Railway sportspersons. This is said to the the highest in any Olympics by India.