Sakshi Malik recalls surreal experience of sharing podium with Kaori Icho at Rio Olympics

On this day, four years ago, Sakshi Malik made history by becoming  first Indian woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal. Malik clinched bronze medal at 2016 Rio Olympics after beating n-reigning Asian champion Aisuluu Tynybekova in  58kg freestyle category.

Sakshi Malik talks 2016 Rio Olympics and sharing podium with Kaori Icho

27-year-old wrestler recalled her surreal experience as she stood on Olympics podium with a medal around her neck. Speaking to  Olympic Channel, Sakshi Malik said moment was  realisation of more than a single dream. Making history for India aside, Sakshi ted sharing podium with gold medallist Kaori Icho helped fulfil her personal ambition. Haryana-based wrestler explained how she idolises Icho for almost entirety of her career. 

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Sakshi Malik claimed she used to follow Kaori Icho extremely closely during ir time in Rio. So much so that, at times, she even igred her practice sessions in order to watch Kaori train. Sharing podium with her was easily one of best moments of Olympic journey, Malik ted. 

Kaori Icho is widely regarded as one of best female wrestlers in world. 36-year-old is a 10-time world champion and a four-time Olympic gold medallist. Icho's list of accomplishments is even more impressive as she is only female athlete to feature alongside legends like sailors Paul Elvstrom & Ben Ainslie, swimmer Michael Phelps, track and field athlete Carl Lewis and discus thrower Al Oerter, to have won individual gold medals at four consecutive Summer Olympic Games.

Icho also held in impressive 13-year undefeated streak between 2003 and 2016. streak came to an end when she finally lost to Purevdorjiin Orkhon at Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin 2016. 

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Sakshi Malik was one of only two medallists from India at 2016 Rio Olympics, in what was a poor showing from Indian athletes on international st. PV Sindhu bagged a silver medal in Badminton after impressing her way through to finals before falling at final hurdle to Carolina Marin of Spain. Sindhu lost final 21-19, 12-21 15-21. 

Sakshi Malik failed to qualify for  continental qualifiers for Tokyo Olympics 2021 after losing 3-2 to Sonam Malik in national qualifiers back in February. 

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(Im Credits: Indian Olympians Twitter)