ALIVEfm – Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik recently appeared on the popular “Game On” podcast. Her episode captured widespread attention. With candid honesty, she spoke about mental resilience, pressure, and personal evolution. Fans appreciated her vulnerability and openness. Sakshi didn’t hold back when discussing both the highs and lows of her career. Her stories inspired many young athletes. She also discussed the challenges of balancing fame with discipline. Throughout the episode, Sakshi emphasized inner strength. Moreover, she offered insights on what it truly takes to stay at the top. The episode reveals more than training—it’s about identity, courage, and growth under fire.
Sakshi addressed mental health with rare transparency. She revealed moments when the pressure nearly broke her spirit. Despite the medals, stress weighed heavily. However, therapy and support networks helped her stay grounded. During Olympic preparation, sleepless nights became common. Moreover, public expectations added more weight than physical training. In one poignant story, she described crying before matches. Even champions feel doubt and fear, she said. This raw honesty is rare in elite sports interviews. Fans related to her words immediately. She believes mental strength should be trained like any muscle. That message resonated deeply across social media platforms.
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The podcast revisited her historic bronze medal win at Rio 2016. Sakshi described the chaotic mix of pride, relief, and disbelief. That moment changed her life forever. It also changed how India saw women in wrestling. She became a household name overnight. Still, she reminded listeners that one medal doesn’t define an athlete. Years of struggle preceded that triumph. Moreover, success brought new challenges. Suddenly, every tournament felt like a test. She trained harder, but self-doubt lingered. Through all this, her love for wrestling never faded. As she said, “Medals shine outside, but battles are fought inside.”
Sakshi credited her family for keeping her stable. Her parents supported her from day one. Despite societal pressure, they never asked her to quit. She shared how her mother learned wrestling rules to coach her emotionally. Meanwhile, her father became her biggest cheerleader. Even after Olympic glory, her home life stayed humble. Her family never treated her like a celebrity. Instead, they reminded her to remain focused. According to Sakshi, strong roots help her grow taller. Without their constant support, she admits she might’ve quit.
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Today’s athletes deal with more than just physical training. Sakshi spoke about the toll social media can take. She reads both praise and harsh criticism online. Sometimes, negative comments haunt her for days. However, she’s learning to filter feedback constructively. She now limits screen time before competitions. Additionally, she follows only positive, uplifting accounts. The podcast also explored how she uses platforms to inspire. Sharing workouts and messages helps her connect authentically. But she warned listeners not to mistake online applause for self-worth. Her advice: stay centered offline, where real life happens.
Over time, Sakshi has embraced her role as a symbol. Girls across India look up to her journey. Still, she insists she didn’t set out to be a role model. Her focus was always wrestling first. However, seeing young fans imitate her stance fills her with pride. She now visits schools and training centers regularly. There, she tells girls to be fierce, not perfect. Representation, she said, matters more than medals. If one girl laces her boots because of Sakshi, it’s a victory. She believes sports can rewrite societal expectations for women.
Wrestling demands physical strength, but public eyes often judge appearances. Sakshi talked about receiving both praise and criticism over her physique. At times, people questioned her femininity. These remarks used to hurt. Over time, though, she grew confident in her body. It’s a tool, a vessel, a warrior’s frame. She reminded listeners that strength looks different on everyone. Now, she claps back at trolls with confidence. Her message: Your body is your power, not your problem.
Sakshi expressed hope about wrestling’s next generation. Training facilities have improved. Girls now enter the sport earlier, with better support. However, challenges still exist—especially in rural areas. She urges authorities to invest more in grassroots programs. When asked if she’ll coach someday, she said maybe. For now, she wants to compete as long as possible. But mentoring excites her too. Her dream is an India where girls wrestle without judgment. According to Sakshi, that day is closer than ever.
This episode showed how podcasts can go beyond surface-level interviews. Host interactions allowed depth and emotion. Sakshi’s laughter, pauses, and intensity came through clearly. Listeners heard a champion, but also a human being. That blend is rare in traditional media. Podcasts offer safe spaces for vulnerability. As more athletes open up, fans gain richer connections. This shift could redefine sports journalism in the digital age.