CWG 2022: Sakshi Malik claims Indias second wrestling gold medal

Sakshi Malik touched yet another milestone in her career as she won the gold medal in women’s 62kg freestyle wrestling at the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Friday, August 5. She defeated Ana Godinez Gonzalez of Canada by Victory by Fall (VFA) after the score became 4-4.

Malik helped India to clinch its second gold medal in wrestling, after Bajrang Punia won the first. Her victory also means that India has now won three wrestling medals at the Commonwealth Games 2022, along with 23 total medals. It is also her third medal at the Commonwealth Games as she had won a silver and a bronze medal at the 2014 and 2018 editions respectively.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Bajrang Punia wins gold medal in wrestling

She began her Commonwealth Games 2022 campaign on a strong note, defeating Kelsey Barnes of England by VFA (10-0) in the quarterfinals. Malik continued her impressive performance in the semifinals as well, beating Cameroonian wrestler Berthe Etane Ngolle by technical superiority to qualify for the final.

However, the final became challenging for the Indian star wrestler, who trailed 4-0 at a point of the match against Ana Godinez Gonzalez of Canada. However, she was able to mount a comeback, making the score 4-4. She then won the game by VFA to win the gold medal, her first in her career at the mega event.

Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2022: Anshu Malik bags silver medal in wrestling

Friday was a good day at the office for the Indian wrestling contingent. Before Sakshi Malik won the gold medal, Anshu Malik began the day with a silver medal and Bajrang Punia added to the tally with another gold medal. Another wrestler, Deepak Punia has already ensured a medal and will be looking to clinch the gold to keep the streak going.

On the other hand, Mohit Grewal and Divya Kakran are also scheduled to compete in the bronze medal match, which could take India’s tally much higher.