Sakshi Malik Wins India First Medal At Rio Olympics, Brings Home Bronze In 58kg Wrestling

Sakshi Malik finally put India on the scoresheet of medals with a bronze in the 58kg freestyle category of women's wrestling.

AFP

She defeated Aisuluu Tynybekova 8-5 to clinch victory and end India's wait for the first Olympic medal at Rio 2016. It was also the first time a woman wrestler has won a medal for the country.

She was trailing 5-0 before coming back in the dying moments with some superb moves to take the advantage away from her opponent.

AFP

Earlier she had lost her quarter-final bout against Valeria Koblova but since the latter made it to the final, she earned her shot at the bronze via the repechage round. She defeated Orkhon Purevdorj to ensure a bronze medal play-off with Tynybekova.

AFP

With the Games set to end on August 21, this is a major boost for India at the fag end of the tournament. Hopefully it will serve as an inspiration for the remaining medal contenders to do the country proud.