Grapple and Glory

Journeying from Rohtak to Rio, Sakshi Malik made the country proud by becoming the first Indian female to bag an Olympic medal in wrestling. Shraddha Jahagirdar-Saxena spends some time with the gritty athlete right after she has emerged from a gruelling training session in the capital.

- Shraddha Jahagirdar

Neither to glamour nor to the lens born, Sakshi Malik poses for the camera with growing confidence, warming up with each subsequent change in the cool confines of the studio. The young sports star had earlier scrutinised the selection of designer wear laid out in the changing room, before proclaiming herself more than satisfied with the offerings. And although a tad uncomfortable in the stilettos that she steps into for a few shots, she displays a fascination for her final look as seen on the laptop, often taking snapshots on her own phone.

Stepping beyond the world of akharas and wrestling, the Olympic bronze medallist is enjoying her time in the sun — taking her pick of offers that are coming her way, be they shoots, appearances at events and television shows, promotional activities and more. She seems to be untouched yet by the new experiences filling her horizon, for Malik’s innocence, raw energy and curiosity come through in the few hours that we spend with her — as does her eagerness to return to the akhara, her hallowed space, once the business of the morning is dispensed with.

Having just completed an intensive training session in the capital the previous day, Malik, who has created sporting history by becoming the first Indian female wrestler to bag a medal at the Olympics, has requested a slightly delayed start than is normal for her. So, there we are, all prepped up for the 24-year-old who is scheduled to arrive at 7 a.m.

She walks in quietly behind the girl who is her companion for the day for the interaction with