Indore: Sakshi Malik, India’s only medal winner in women’s wrestling at the Olympics said Thursday evening here that double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar has always been an inspiration for her. She stated that she wanted to emulate the star wrestler by also winning two consecutive medals at the Olympics.
“Sushil has been a great inspiration for me. After seeing him playing, I used to think that I would also take part in the Olympics and win a medal for the country,” stated Sakshi, who had won a bronze at Rio.
“Now that I have won one medal at the Olympics, I would like to be like him (Sushil) by winning my second medal at Tokyo,” added the 25-year-old who won the 62kg gold Friday at the ongoing wrestling nationals here.
Sakshi also asserted that everyone should participate in the nationals. “In my opinion, all senior players should participate in the national championships. We remain close to the game and learn a lot through these competitions, which further benefits us at the international level,” Sakshi pointed out. “I participate in every small competition, because I do not want to disconnect myself from wrestling.
When asked about her preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Games, the wrestler stated that her preparations have already begun. “Time flies. More than one year has passed since Rio. Now, countdown for the next Olympics has begun. So yes, there is pressure. But I repeat this resolve every day in my mind that I have to make good preparations for the next Olympics, so that I can change the colour of my medal,” Sakshi stated.
press trust of india
