Country is Proud of Sakshi's Feat: President, PM

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated female wrestler Sakshi Malik for winning a bronze medal in the Rio Olympics, saying that she has done the country proud with her historic feat.

"Hearty Congratulations to #SakshiMalik for winning a medal in women's wrestling in #Rio2016 and doing India proud," President Mukherjee said in his official Twitter handle.

PM Modi described Sakshi's bronze winning performance as a gift to the country on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and said her feat will inspire the country's sportspersons.

"On this very auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, Sakshi Malik, a daughter of India, wins a Bronze & makes all of us very proud," Modi said in a tweet.

"Sakshi Malik will inspire several sportspersons in the years to come," he said in an another tweet. Modi also conveyed wishes to the people on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

On Wednesday night, Sakshi ended the country's painful wait for a medal at the Rio Olympic Games by clinching the bronze in the 58kg category, pulling off a sensational 8-5 victory over her rival in the play-off bout.

The 23-year-old from Rohtak became only the fourth woman athlete from India to win an Olympic medal as she earned the dramatic win after falling behind 0-5 in the do-or-die bout on day 12.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley applauded Sakshi for her historic feat.

"Congrats #SakshiMalik on winning #wrestling bronze at the #Rio2016. She has created history & made the country proud."

Sports Minister Vijay Goel also congratulated Sakshi on her winning the bronze.

"Congratulations to Sakshi Malik!!!.Wins First #Olympics #Bronze Medal for #IND," Goel tweeted.

"Witnessed Thrilling Match of #wrestling in which Sakshi overcame 5-0 deficit in First Half to win the bout 8-5 in the end," he added.

Congratulating Sakshi, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said the country was proud of her.

"Congrats #SakshiMalik for the #Bronze @ #Rio2016 . #IND's daughter, we are proud of you.. Well done??."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also tweeted, "Congratulations Sakshi Malik. U have made the whole nation proud."

Former Sports Minister Ajay Maken tweeted, "SakshiMalik gave a great gift to #Ind .Had it not for a freak injury-@phogat_vinesh was also on verge of a glorious medal! Proud of you!"