Sakshi Malik to be brand ambassador of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign in Haryana

Sakshi Malik had ended India’s medal-less run at the Rio Olympics last Wednesday after defeating Kyrgyzstan's Aisuluu Tynybekova in the bronze-medal match in the women’s 58 kg freestyle category. After her heroics at Rio, the 23-year-old was recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, and more awards were showered on her today when she returned to the country from Rio.

Sakshi was received by the Ministers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Haryana at the airport, who accompanied her to the felicitation function at Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar handed over a cheque of Rs. 2.5 crore to the wrestler at the function, and also named her as the brand ambassador of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign in the state.

Our two daughters, Sakshi Malik and P V Sindhu (who won a silver medal at the Rio Games), have made the nation proud."

Manohar Lal Khattar

“It is a proud moment for us that girls of the country have done so well. Our two daughters, Sakshi Malik and P V Sindhu (who won a silver medal at the Rio Games), have made the nation proud,” Khattar said, reported PTI.

“Our government is taking a number of steps for the promotion of sports. Sakshi has made everyone proud including her country, her state, besides her coaches, her town Rohtak and her family,” Khattar said in the presence of Sakshi’s family members.

The Chief Minister also added that Sakshi, who is currently employed with the Railways, would be promoted.

“We have also offered her a Class II job in the Haryana Government. She has said that she will think over it and decide,” Khattar added.

Now we have added Beti Khilao (encourage girls to take up sports) to this."

Sakshi Malik

In her brief speech, Sakshi thanked everyone for their support and hailed the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, by saying they have added Beti Khilao to it.

“I want everyone to support me in future as well so that I can win more medals for my country,” she said.

“Now we have added Beti Khilao (encourage girls to take up sports) to this,” the 23-year-old said. 

Also, read : Sakshi Malik's bronze is worth more than we realize