Role of Physiotherapy in India’s First Olympic medal at Rio: India’s Sakshi Malik wins a bronze medal in the wrestling 58kg category

Role of Physiotherapy in India’s First Olympic medal at Rio:

India’s Sakshi Malik wins a bronze medal in the wrestling 58kg category after the Indian beat Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan 8-5 in the bronze medal bout. In a thrilling contest, Sakshi fought back from 0-5 down to seal the bout 8-5 in her favour. With seconds left on the clock, she produced a three-point move to seal the bout and India’s first medal at Rio 2016 Olympics.

Vinesh, who won the gold medal in the World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul (Turkey) recently,said” The current Physiotherapist - Rucha - has been with us for a significant period of time and the best part is that she devotes all her time to the women wrestlers. In a tournament of the stature of Olympics, it's important that the women wrestlers have a dedicated Physio for them," Vinesh said.

Kuldeep Malik, the national women's wrestling coach, also endorsed Vinesh's point of view. "A separate physio is always dedicated to the women's wrestling team for various other tournaments we go to. Considering the significance of Olympics, the women's team having its own Physio is essential," he said.

Physiotherapist Rucha Kashalkar, who has already been working with women wrestlers, has accompanied the Rio-bound team. Kashalkar had accompanied the wrestlers to Madrid recently where they competed in the Spanish Grand Prix Wrestling Championship.

hThis is the first time that India will be represented by three women wrestlers at the Olympics. Vinesh Phogat will fight it out in the 48kg freestyle category; Vinesh's cousin Babita will wrestle in the 53kg freestyle category while Sakshi Malik will grapple in the 58kg freestyle category.

News Compiled by Physiotherapy Jobs Portal www.physiotherapyjobs.co.in , India's first and exclusive registered Job Portal for Physiotherapists since 2010

News Sources:

http://indianexpress.com/sports/rio-2016-olympics/live-india-wrestling-vinesh-phogat-sakshi-malik-women-freestyle-score-result-video-streaming-day-12-2980917/

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indiario/wrestling/No-female-physiotherapist-for-Rio-bound-women-wrestlers/articleshow/53202610.cms

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indiario/wrestling/No-female-physiotherapist-for-Rio-bound-women-wrestlers/articleshow/53202610.cms