Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Sakshi wins bronze against all odds' that was published in Newsband

Sakshi wins bronze against all odds

Sakshi Malik earned bronze medal in women’s 58-kg freestyle wrestling at the Rio Olympics. She opened India’s account in Rio. She joins the ranks of the Phogat sisters as another icon for women wrestlers in this country.

Malik’s is the story of a young girl working through the system, of being drawn to wrestling after accompanying her grandfather to the akhara. Malik’s Rohtak-to-Rio journey is interesting. Sakshi Malik embodies hardwork and struggle in the face of all odds women in a backward patriarchal society can possibly face. Her medal ironically brings glory to a country that undervalues its women, disregards them and denies them equal opportunities as men. Sakhshi’s success surely will motivate more peoples to take up sports.

It is her sheer effort she had won the medal for India at Rio Olympics and had she received still better coaching she might have had won the Gold for us. Now it is high time we focus on encouraging the sports persons in each field of their excellence and provide all the facilities with proper training to become a sports oriented nation.

Sakshi Malik achieved this medal on her own. The Government never assisted her in her efforts. Nonetheless, Government wants all the credit, stealing the fruit of others labour. In India sports is a least priority item. When sports persons excels in national and international arena Government comes to the picture and offers help. This is like applying fertilizers when the crop is ready for harvest.

After BJP came to power, the funds for education and sports have been cut drastically. Kerala, Punjab, TN, Haryana, etc. are a few states producing outstanding sports persons. But sports persons from these states are denied Central Govt. assistance and awards. Recent Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards are an ample example.

It is important to motivate those kids who have inclination in any sport activity. India can bring more medals, but society interference should be minimized. There are numerous negative people who discourage talent at various level. We need to provide such environment where athletes can grow.

Anyway, Sakshi should be congratulated for achieving this feat against all odds.