Indian Wrestler Sakshi Malik Uncovers the Brutal Reality of the Sport

Mumbai: In a candid and poignant memoir, Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik has given an insider's look into the world of professional wrestling, revealing its secrets, demands, and cruelties.

Through her book "Witness", co-written by acclaimed reporter Jonathan Selvaraj, Malik takes readers on a journey through her life and career, from her Olympic bronze medal at Rio 2016 to her latest Olympic qualification.

Wrestling, often viewed as a physical sport, is revealed to be an emotional rollercoaster. Malik shares her personal struggles, including the violent retching fits she experienced during training due to dehydration and the pain of losing a crucial match before trials.

The memoir also delves into the brutal realities of wrestling, from rivalries to doping scandals, and introduces readers to lesser-known aspects of the sport.

Malik talks about how weight cutting is done "with the help of a partner" because wrestlers often make impulsive decisions when dehydrated. She also discusses her own struggles with body image, revealing how her costume became an integral part of her identity as an athlete.

Selvaraj's writing complements Malik's narrative, providing readers with a broader understanding of wrestling and its unique world.

Malik herself describes her journey from aspiring to podium-winner, sketching her dream in detailed pictures. With "Witness", the Olympic bronze medallist has now turned her story into words, using them to convey the intense emotion and raw power of this unsung sport.

A reviewer praises the book as an essential read for anyone interested in the world of Indian sports, saying it is probably the best Indian sports book they have ever read.