India's daughter has stopped India's medal drought, say Sakshi Malik's parents

As freestyle wrestler Sakshi Malik ended India's drought for a medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics by winning the bronze medal, her parents on 18 August said they were relieved and were short of words to express their feelings.

Malik's residence was in a festive mood after they saw their daughter stand on the podium. The family celebrated with dance, music and fireworks and emotions ran high during all the celebrations and cheers.

Sakshi's mother, Sudesh Malik, was relieved after her daughter's win and said that the 23-year-old was not at all tired after fighting back-to-back bouts.

"I asked her if she was tired, she said nobody feels tired after winning a medal for country. She (Sakshi) said I am grateful to the country as it gave me so much support. I had tears in my eyes and she was happy. I feel like decorating the whole Rohtak," she told ANI.

Sudesh said it was a proud moment for the Malik household that their daughter ended the drought.

"India's daughter has stopped India's medal drought. So proud of her."

Sakshi's father, Sukhbir Malik, said he was short of words to express his feelings.

"She has won the first medal for the country. I got tears in my eyes. It's a big day for all of us. What can I say? Literally have no words to express my happiness," he said.

The 23-year old Haryana girl bagged the bronze medal in the 58 kg weight class after recording a sensational comeback win over Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan.

After going down 2-9 against Russia's Valeriia Koblova in the quarter-finals, Sakshi received another chance at a medal via repechage and made full use of the second life by outplaying Mongolian wrestler Orkhon Purevdorj 12-3 to advance to the bronze-medal match.

With the win, she also became the fourth Indian wrestler to win a medal in the Olympics after Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt.

--ANI