Exclusive: Wrestler Sakshi Malik: “I Used To Wrestle Train With Boys Only Because…”
Despite the challenges, Sakshi found empowerment in her training alongside boys!
In an exclusive conversation on Hauterrfly’s The Male Feminist, Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik revealed the story of her early wrestling days, where her only option was to train alongside boys. In a time when female wrestlers were a rare sight, Sakshi Malik’s training and resilience were put to the test, setting the stage for her groundbreaking career.
Sakshi Malik Recalls Her Training Days
Reflecting on her journey, Sakshi ,Malik explained that when she began wrestling in 2004 at the age of just 12, there were hardly any female wrestlers around her. “Us waqt sirf 3-4 ladkiyan thi aur sab mujhse senior thi, ladke kaafi the,” she shared. With limited female athletes available for practice, she had to compete with the boys. “Training bhi ladko ke sath karni padti thi, wrestling matches bhi unke sath karne hote the,” she added, revealing the extent to which she had to adapt to train.
Despite the challenges, Sakshi found empowerment in her training alongside boys, realizing that her strength and determination were enough to hold her own. “Mera bhai mujhse 2 saal bara hai aur usne normal padhayi ki aur business kar raha hai. Mai usko harati thi panje mein,Dekh lo na training ka aur takat ka kitna farak pad gaya. Ladke aur ladkiyon mein farak hai, par agar ladki takat ka khel kar rahi hai toh wo bhi mazboot ho sakti hai.” Sakshi Malik elaborated how training gave her an upper hand when it came to strength.
Also Read: Sakshi Malik Claims Babita Phogat Planned Wrestler’s Protest To Become WFI Chief. We’re Shocked!
Her determination to break through the norms of a male-dominated sport didn’t stop at training sessions. Practicing in an environment with limited female representation could have been intimidating, but Sakshi adapted quickly. When asked if she ever felt uncomfortable training with boys, she explained, “Easily comfortable ho gaye the, kyunki coaches rehte hai waha pe aur jo bhi training hoti hai wo similar hoti hai. Jo unhe sikhaya jata hai, wahi hamein sikhaya jata. Toh aise awkward nahi lagta ki mai ladke ke sath training kar rahi hu.”
Sakshi’s resilience is evident, but the journey wasn’t just about overcoming physical challenges. Training in a facility with few female athletes also meant adjusting to the dynamics and expectations of an almost all-male environment. But over time, the situation evolved. She explained how things have changed since those early days: “Lekin ab samay itna badal gaya hai ki ye same centre pe jaha maine start kiya tha waha ab 60-70 ladkiyan hain ab.”
On the latest episode of The Male Feminist, Sakshi Malik also opened up on the wrestler’s protest.
First Published: November 07, 2024 8:12 PM
