PTI
New Delhi/Rohtak, August 24: It was supposed to be Rio Olympics bronze-winning wrestler Sakshi Malik’s grand reception both at New Delhi and Rohtak. However, politicians saw to it that her feat took the backseat as both the BJP and the Congress tried to overshadow each other at both the functions with their political comments.
The Haryana government however, honoured its ‘daughter Sakshi Malik’ by appointing her as brand ambassador of the Prime Minister’s flagship ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign and presenting the Olympic bronze medallist a cheque of `2.5 crore.
A reception in the capital, after the freestyle wrestler arrived from Rio de Janeiro in the wee hours Wednesday, was followed by another grand welcome by the Haryana government.
Sakshi, who ended India’s medal drought at the Rio Olympics, was greeted by her parents, relatives and ministers of the BJP-led state government at the Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3.
The 23-year-old, who is the first woman wrestler from India to win an Olympic medal, then travelled to Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, where she was felicitated by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Despite being jet-lagged and sleep deprived, Sakshi waved at the crowds who danced, garlanded and took selfies with her. “My 12-year long dream has been fulfilled. But I will work hard to change the colour of my medal at next Olympics,” Sakshi told the gathering.
Sakshi proudly displayed the bronze medal to the cheering crowds en route. Besides her parents, brother, sister and other family members, women wrestlers from her academy in Rohtak were also there to welcome her.
“Our government is taking a number of steps for the promotion of sports. Sakshi has made everyone proud including her country, her state, her coaches, her town Rohtak and her family,” Khattar said in the presence of Sakshi’s family members.
The CM said Sakshi, who is employed with the Railways, has been promised a promotion by its employer. “We have also offered her a Class II job in the Haryana government. She has said that she will think over it and decide,” Khattar stated at the reception in Bahadurgarh.
At her village Mokhra Khas in Rohtak, Sakshi was honoured by the village panchayat in the presence of a large number of political leaders of the BJP and Congress who got involved in a slanging match.
Sakshi thanked everyone for their support and best wishes. “I want everyone to support me in future as well so that I can win more medals for my country,” she stated.
Sakshi’s father Sukhbir Malik became emotional when he met his daughter and saw her medal at the airport. “I am proud of her achievements. In fact, not just me, the entire country is proud of her. Her medal belongs to India,” he said.
