Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik won her women's 58 kg freestyle repechage round 2 bout against Orkhon Purevdorj of Mongolia 12-3 early on Thursday IST. Malik now has to win one more bout, against Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan, to secure a historic bronze medal. No Indian woman wrestler has ever won an Olympic medal so far.
Malik won the first two points with a take-down within the opening 20 seconds of the bout. Purevdorj got two back after Malik lost her balance, as the first period ended with the score level 2-2.
Malik began the second period with another take-down, getting two points, but failed to capitalise on the hold. She then conceded a point for passivity after a prolonged period of defensive play, but then scored two more points with another take-down. Malik got four more points in quick succession towards the end after a take-down and a roll, eventually winning the bout 12-3.
Malik and Purevdorj were both beaten by Russia's Valeria Koblova on Wednesday. The Russian went on to reach the final, thereby giving the Indian and the Mongolian a chance of clinching a medal by winning the repechage round and the bronze playoff.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!