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. In 2025, she was also named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, marking another significant milestone in her career.
Sakshi Malik Biography 2025
Malik is part of the JSW Sports Excellence Program, which includes notable female wrestlers such as Vinesh Phogat, Babita Kumari, and Geeta Phogat. In addition to her Olympic success, Malik won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and a bronze medal at the 2015 Asian Wrestling Championships in Doha. She has also taken a prominent role in the ongoing 2023 protests by Indian wrestlers against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Following the election of one of Singh’s close aides as the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, Malik announced her retirement from the sport.
Sakshi Malik Biography Details
Born |
3 September 1992 (age 32)
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.
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 |
2025 |
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 |
Sakshi Malik Net Worth
Sakshi Malik has an estimated net worth of ₹36.5 crore.
Sakshi Malik Summary
Sakshi Malik has made an indelible mark in the world of wrestling, not only through her impressive achievements but also as a champion for women’s rights in the sport. Her journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. With her commitment to advocacy and her ongoing influence, Malik continues to shape the future of wrestling in India.