Deepa's life story is very inspiring and I have learned a lot from her, says Sakshi Malik

Mumbai: Rio Olympics bronze-winning wrestler Sakshi Malik on Tuesday termed the life story of para athlete Deepa Malik as inspiring. Last week, Deepa Malik created history by becoming the first Indian woman to bag a medal at the Paralympic Games. She won a silver in the shot put F-53 event. [caption id=“attachment_3013160” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Sakshi and Deepa Malik (right) pose together at a recent event. PTI[/caption] “No that is not the fact (government is neglecting the Paralympic medal winners). The level of matches is equal whether it is Paralympics or Olympics. I just met Deepa Malik and she narrated her life story to me. Her story is very inspiring. Instead, I learned a lot from her,” Sakshi told a gathering after she announced Whisper India’s ‘LikeAGirl&Proud Challenge’ in Mumbai. “She (Deepa Malik) bagged a silver for India at this stage. They should be given an equal level and the government is doing a lot for them. I have heard that they are being felicitated more than me and I am very happy,” she said. Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha was also present on the occasion. “I have been wrestling since 12 years. It was my dream to clinch a medal in the Olympics. But I hadn’t expected that I will get so much (love and affection) after the medal. India is giving a lot of love. I had gone alone (to Rio Olympics), but now the entire country knows me. It is a proud moment for me,” Sakshi added. Asked about a survey figure that six out of 10 girls becomes less involved in sports activities on reaching puberty, Sakshi said, “They do because the society taunts them too much. This happened with me, but I did not listen and continued. I say that there is no problem, whatever the world says, don’t care.”