Freestyle wrestler Sakshi Malik has ended India’s wait of its first medal of the Rio Olympics. The 23-year old Haryana girl bagged the Bronze medal, early this morning, in the 58 kg weight class after recording a sensational comeback win over Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan.
Trailing 0-5, Sakshi displayed exceptional skills to win the match, 8-5, in the final seconds and become the first ever Indian woman grappler to win an Olympic medal.
Earlier, in the 48 kg category, it was heart break for Vinesh Phogat who made an unfortunate exit from the Games after injuring her knee in the quarterfinal match. China’s Yanan Sun was named the winner as Vinesh, who looked promising in her opening match, was stretched off in tears.
India’s other female wrestler in the Games, Babita Kumari will be seen in action in the 53 kg division later today. She will clash with Maria Prevolaraki of Greece in the Round-of-16.
Male wrestlers, including London Olympics Bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt, will begin their campaigns later.
Over in Badminton, Kidambi Srikanth’s hopes of winning an Olympic medal were dashed last evening after he went down battling world number three Lin Dan of China, 6-21, 21-11, 18-21 in the quarterfinals. PV Sindhu had, earlier, entered the Singles semi-finals beating world number two Chinese Yihan Wang. She became only the second Indian shuttler – first being Saina Nehwal – to make it to the Olympics last-4. Sindhu will play her semi-final today against Nozomi Okuhara of Japan. If Sindhu wins, India will be assured of a Silver medal.
Meanwhile, in Athletics, India’s Tintu Luka ended 6th in the heats of Women’s 800 metres race last night and failed to make it to the semi-finals.
Women’s 200 metres Final will take place in a few hours from now. Dutch Dafne Schippers, Jamaica’s 100 metres Gold medalist Elaine Thompson and Silver medalist American Tori Bowie are among those vying for top honours.
Women’s 100 metres Hurdles will also be held.
Men’s 200 metres semi-finals, featuring 100 metres Gold medalist Usain Bolt, is also scheduled. Bolt is aiming to achieve an unprecedented treble treble. He had won the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4×100 metres in last two Olympics. United States continues to top the medals tally with 28 Gold, 30 Silver and 28 Bronze. Great Britain is second with 19 Gold, 19 Silver and 12 Bronze. China is third with 17 Gold, 15 Silver and 20 Bronze. India is joint 70th with 1 Bronze.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Sakshi Malik for winning bronze in Rio Olympics.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Sakshi Malik the very best.
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