Sakshi Malik, born on September 3, 1992, is a former Indian freestyle wrestler who made history by winning a bronze medal in the 58 kg category at the 2016 Summer Olympics, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to achieve this feat. In recognition of her accomplishments, she was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2017.
Sakshi Malik Biography 2026
Malik’s wrestling journey has always been quietly electric—training with India’s best, Vinesh, Babita, Geeta, while quietly carving her own lane, winning silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and bronze at the 2015 Asian Championships in Doha. But the medals barely scratch the surface.
In 2023, she stepped off the mat and straight into a storm, standing up against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after one of his aides took over the Wrestling Federation of India. Watching her take on that system hits differently: this wasn’t about opponents anymore, it was about wrestling an entire institution, and some fights leave no scoreboard, no applause, just grit. There’s admiration, sure, but also this gnawing frustration—how often do we cheer quietly while the system keeps playing dirty? Her retirement doesn’t feel like an ending; it feels like a defiant, silent mic drop.
Privacy Alert!
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address: Loading...
Your Location: Loading...
Your Internet Provider: Loading...
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 48% off.
Visit Express VPNSakshi Malik Biography Details
| Born | 3 September 1992 Mokhra, Haryana, India |
|---|---|
| Height | 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) (2016) |
| Weight | 58 kg (128 lb) (2016) |
| Spouse | Satyawart Kadian |
Sakshi Malik Early Life
Sakshi Malik was born in Mokhra village in Haryana’s Rohtak district to Sukhbir, a bus conductor with the Delhi Transport Corporation, and Sudesh Malik, a supervisor at a local health clinic. Inspired by her grandfather, Badlu Ram, who was also a wrestler, she began her wrestling training at the age of 12. Under the guidance of coach Ishwar Dahiya at an Akhara in Chhotu Ram Stadium, Rohtak, she developed her skills. There were several individuals claiming to be her coaches, including Kuldeep Malik, Mandeep Singh, and Rajbir Singh. Eventually, Sakshi submitted an affidavit to the sports department, formally recognizing Ishwar Dahiya and Mandeep Singh as her coaches.
While her story now is about a successful woman belonging to the village and now an international sports personality, it is not only the story of the success of an independent woman or a sports personality but also for all women out there practicing for the sports competitor level, and for all the African women they have someone to look up to.
Career Highlights
Sakshi has many laureates and achievements to her credit throughout her career. She first starred on the international scene at the Junior World Championships and clinched a bronze medal in 2010. Her journey continued with significant interference with poor responses from the etiology of acute myocardial infarction, diagnosis, progestogen treatment, family history of myocardial, revascularization outcomes, and myocardial integrity.
2016 Rio Olympics: High significant level attained by qualifying for a bronze medal in the 58 kg body weight division. They not only scored the pride of being the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympic medal for India but also many young athletes in India. It was clearly manifested during the Olympic event, where she poisoned herself to level at 5-0 before stretching her arm to dispatch Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan with a comprehensive score of 8-5.
Personal Life
Sakshi Malik also has its shares of struggle and success, both at the personal level. She was a Master of Physical Education from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak; after her Olympic triumph, she was posted as director of wrestling there. The two have been distant but in April 2017, she enhanced their connection by marrying wrestler Satyawart Kadian. However, Sakshi post-Olympics does have many struggles to face on the backs where she has been able to reach a great potential of success. She has been very vocal on issues to do with monetary matters and family pressures to dissolve her marriage. These experiences are illustrated and expounded in her autobiography, Witness, and act as an inspirational message to young women athletes who have gone through or are going through the same struggles.
Hobbies and Interests
Apart from wrestling, Sakshi has other interests in activities that make her fit and her mind occupied. She loves fitness training and more often posts workout regimens on her various platforms on social media. She also likes to hang out with her family and friends and supports feminine rights via sports.
Contributions Beyond Wrestling
Sakshi has been a supporter of initiatives that aid female athletes. has come under the spotlight to speak out on women’s matters, especially those that pertain to female athletes She has also engaged herself in protest that ask for better treatment and recognition of women in wrestling. It has been an inspiring and triumphant ride from the village to the world for Sakshi Malik. Her achievements are not only aimed at the future early failures of female wrestlers but also encouraging a number of people to never give up striving for their dreams.
Family Background
Sakshi Malik’s parents are from the Haryana region, and her father, Sukhbir Malik, was a bus conductor for the Delhi Transport Corporation company, while her mother, Sudesh Malik, worked as a supervisor at a local health clinic. Sakshi never allowed her family’s modest origins to come in the way of owning up to her passion. Following her father’s footsteps, Badlu Ram, who was a wrestler too, started wrestling at age 12 under the training of Ishwar Dahiya in an Akhara in Chhotu Ram Stadium, Rohtak. Sakshi was another example of a girl who faced social barriers to wrestling but never let that stop her.
Key Family Details
| Relation | Name | Occupation |
| Father | Sukhbir Malik | Bus Conductor |
| Mother | Sudesh Malik | Health Clinic Supervisor |
| Husband | Satyawart Kadian | International Wrestler |
Sakshi Malik Career Overview
| Category | Information |
| Profession | Freestyle Wrestler |
| Height | 5’ 3½” (162 cm) |
| Weight | 65 Kg (141 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
International Debut and Major Wins
| Tournament | Year | Medal |
| Commonwealth Games | 2014 | Silver |
| Dave Schultz International | 2014 | Gold |
| Junior World Championships | 2010 | Bronze |
| Senior Asian Championships | 2015 | Bronze |
| Rio Olympics | 2016 | Bronze |
| Commonwealth Games (2022) | 2022 | Gold |
Awards and Honors
| Year | Award |
| 2016 | Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award |
| 2017 | Padma Shri |
| 2026 | Time magazine’s 100 most influential people |
Personal Life Details
| Detail | Information |
| Date of Birth | 3 September 1992 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 31 Years |
| Birthplace | Rohtak, Haryana, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Rohtak, Haryana, India |
Education Background
| Level | Institution |
| School | Vaish Public School, Rohtak |
| School | DAV Centenary Public School, Rohtak |
| University | Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) |
| Degree | Master’s in Physical Education |
Hobbies of Sakshi Malik
| Hobby | Description |
| Travelling | Enjoys exploring new places |
| Yoga | Practices yoga for physical and mental well-being |
Controversies and Protests
| Date | Event Description |
| 18 January 2023 | Sit-in protest against WFI |
| 25 June 2023 | Protest called off, opted for court battle |
Family Background
| Relation | Name |
| Husband | Satyawart Kadian (Wrestler) |
| Father | Sukhbir (DTC Bus Conductor) |
| Mother | Sudesh (Anganwadi Worker) |
| Brother | Sachin Malik |
Lesser-Known Facts About Sakshi Malik
| Fact | Description |
| Training Start Age | Began at age 12 |
| Local Boy Competitions | Fought local boys during training |
| Personal Favorite Medal | Silver at 2014 Commonwealth Games |
Notable Achievements
| Year | Achievement |
| 2014 | Silver at Commonwealth Games |
| 2016 | Bronze at Rio Olympics |
| 2022 | Gold at Commonwealth Games (62 kg) |
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Description |
| Junior World Championship | Bronze in 2010 |
| First Olympic Medal | Bronze in 2016 at Rio Olympics |
| WFI Appointment | Appointed by Indian Railways post-Olympics |
Influences and Inspirations
| Influence | Description |
| Grandfather | Inspired by her grandfather, Badlu Ram |
| Father’s Encouragement | Motivated by her father to pursue wrestling |
Career Impact
| Impact | Description |
| Role Model | Inspiring female wrestlers across India |
| Advocacy | Advocating for women’s rights in sports |
Future Endeavors
| Endeavor | Description |
| Coaching | Potential involvement in coaching young wrestlers |
| Activism | Continued advocacy for women in sports |
Best VPNs for Latest Updates 2026
| Rank | Provider | Overall Score | Best Deal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
9.8 ★★★★★ |
save 84% | VISIT WEBSITE > |
2 |
|
9.6 ★★★★★ |
save 83% | VISIT WEBSITE > |
Sakshi Malik Net Worth
Sakshi Malik isn’t just a name on the wrestling mat—she’s also built a fortune along the way, with an estimated net worth hovering around ₹36.5 crore, which is a reminder that grit, medals, and a few smart moves off the mat can actually pay off. It’s not flashy celebrity-level, but for someone who started rolling on dusty mats in a small Haryana village.
