After becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the Rio Olympics, Sakshi Malik had been showered with rewards and praises from various government institutions.

On Friday, in a letter addressed to Sakshi, Managing Director of Air India Ashwani Lohan awarded her two business class round trips to two destinations of her choice. She can also take a companion along with her to any destination on the Air India network.

This comes after Sakshi had told reporters that she once aspired to be a sportsperson who can travel in an aeroplane after winning her bronze medal on Wednesday.

In the letter, Lohani said that the entire Air India family was touched  by her humble statement and the state-owned airliner was proud of her achievement and was happy to award her this tickets as a token of appreciation.

In order to redeem her tickets, Sakshi has to contact the Reservation Manager at Safdargunj Airport with the copy of this letter within a year, states the letter.

Following her victory, she has been assured of a Khel Ratna. Indian Railways and Haryana government has both awarded Rs 60 lakh and Rs 2.5 crore respectively. The railways have also promoted her as a gazetted officer.