Indian star Sushil Kumar made his return to international wrestling a memorable one, outclassing Akash Khullar of New Zealand in the final of the men’s 74 kilogram freestyle category to clinch gold at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship here on Sunday. Sushil gave his opponent virtually no chance in the title clash, carving out an easy 6-0 victory. The double Olympic medallist thus clinched his fifth title at the Commonwealth level.
Emerging Indian star Parveen Rana got the bronze in the 74kg category, beating Johannes Petrus Botha of South Africa in the play-off for the third place.
Here’s how Sushil expressed his happiness via his Twitter handle –
तीन साल बाद इनटरनेशनल रेसलिगं प्रतियोगिता में स्वर्ण पदक जीत को मैं मेरे माँ बाप व मेरे गुरू सतपाल जी पहलवान और मेरे अध्यातमिक गुरू योगऋषि स्वामी रामदेव जी के चरणों में व देश के हरेक नागरिक को समर्पित करता हूँ @yogrishiramdev #जयहिंद #Commonwealthwrestlin @ANI @indiatvnews
— Sushil Kumar (@WrestlerSushil) December 17, 2017
It’s a very proud and emotional moment for me as I have returned to the mat on international level after a gap of 3years. I want to dedicate this Gold medal won in #Commonwealthwrestlingchampionship at #SouthAfrica to my guru and to my Nation. JaiHin
— Sushil Kumar (@WrestlerSushil) December 17, 2017
Here’s the video of his bout before the final –
1st hurdle cleared with the blessing and best wishes of my fellow brothers and sisters. Defeated my #SouthAfrican counterpart. JAI HIND pic.twitter.com/pN5Q6L9FYZ
— Sushil Kumar (@WrestlerSushil) December 17, 2017
Here’s how Twitterati reacted to Sushil’s thumping international comeback –
Sushil 2.0: The return of the king! @WrestlerSushil, many congratulations on winning the #CommonwealthWrestlingChampionships Gold! Great to have you back in action! pic.twitter.com/OHDBQdYSPF
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) December 17, 2017
Well played @WrestlerSushil bhai. Congrats and good come back at the international circuit
— Rahul trehan (@imrahultrehan) December 17, 2017
He is and always be the Lion @WrestlerSushil…Many Congratulations #Commenwelthgame #IndianChampion
— Raj Ajay Dubey (@RajDube5) December 17, 2017
What an absolute Champion u r @WrestlerSushil !! Cumin back afte a gap of 3 yrs n bag GOLD !! #proud#CWG !! !!
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) December 17, 2017
Hats off to Sushil Kumar
He is the only indian to win 2 individual olympic medals— Dik$ha@LORD$H!VA (@Modifan_07dj) December 17, 2017
Who cares about #kohinoor when we indians have you @WrestlerSushil . You r more precious and sparking gem than that Kohinoor.
Congratulations.#Commonwealthwrestlingchampionship #SouthAfrica #wrestling #India #love you hero.. #sushilkumar— Ashutosh srivastwa (@AshuEcb) December 17, 2017
Not sending you to Olympic was a grave mistake @WrestlerSushil
— Bahubali (@The_Yogi) December 17, 2017
शानदार जानदार असरदार
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Rathore_Fans) December 17, 2017
@WrestlerSushil great come back,many many Congratulations.Nation proud of you
— S.R.Meena, Sarpanch (@Sitaram67225205) December 17, 2017
Congratulations! Sushil Kumar! pic.twitter.com/lsm1d9aTKY
— Dhaval Maraskolhe (@Dhaval750) December 17, 2017
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Sushil started his campaign with an easy 8-0 win over Botha. In the second round, Sushil overpowered Jasmit Singh Phulka of Canada 9-1 before defeating Rana 5-4 in a thrilling contest.
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(With inputs from IANS)
