Success for me is not the awards, prize money or the admiration. Success is my own capability to do better and explore myself as a player.

Sakshi Malik is an Indian freestyle wrestler. At the 2016 Summer Olympics, she won the bronze medal in the 58 kg category, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics and the fourth female Olympic medalist from the country. BW People's Aradhana takes insight into diary of a woman leader. 

What do you do to motivate yourself when you are feeling low?

The journey of a player is not very easy and happy going, as it seems. We go through a lot of performance stress, as we have to perform not only for us but also for the people who believe in us. 'The Secret' film is my secret of motivation. It helps me to regain energy and momentum.

I like to be in positive company; hence, I keep visiting my hometown in Haryana whenever I get time.

Whose advice do you seek when you are in dilemma?

My husband is my best friend. We were in relationship for 4 years before getting married. He knows me better than I know myself. Whenever I am in dilemma whether personal and professional, I discuss with him and we solve the mystery together.

What is the one basic quality that a leader must have?

Self-dedication is important of all. If we cannot lead ourselves, we cannot lead others. Recognize your qualities and polish them every day.

What is the meaning of success for you?

Success for me is not the awards, prize money or the admiration. Success is my own capability to do better and explore myself as a player. However, I admire the love of the people but I move on very easily from the limelight and focus on my next goal.

What was the best decision you took in your life?

To take up wrestling as a profession was best of all. I loved to play since I was in school. In the beginning, I used to participate in all games. Then, one day, I saw a picture of a woman wrestler in the papers. I liked her in the wrestling costume so much that I told my parents that this was what I wanted to be. In my initial days, I was charmed with the perks of being a player; good food and different places to visit in the world. Now, I understand the real game.

What has been the highest point of your life?

When I got the medal in Olympics, I was happiest in life. Nothing can replace the feeling of winning medal in Olympics.

What was the lowest point of life? How a leader should cop up with such situations?

Losing my grandmother had a lot of impact on my mind. However, my family and friends helped me in that phase. One should seek to others in such situations instead of escaping and accumulating the stress.

It is often said that early marriage acts as a break in career. What is your viewpoint?

That is traditional thinking. I do not even feel that I am married. Nothing can stop if one is determined enough. If your partner is supportive, you do more than you were doing earlier. My priorities are clear and my husband understands that.

Anything on your wish list apart from winning the gold medal...

I am very fond of travelling but I do not get time to take holidays. I would love to travel around world and eat at different places.