Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
New Delhi, December 18
Double Olympics medallist Sushil Kumar made a triumphant return to the international arena by clinching a gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in Johannesburg, South Africa, today.
Returning to international wrestling after more than three years, Sushil defeated New Zealand’s Akash Khullar via a pinfall in the final of the 74kg freestyle category. It is his first medal in international wrestling since his gold medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
It was double delight for India as Parveen Rana won a bronze medal in the same weight category.
Sushil returned to competitive wrestling in November at the Nationals in Indore, where he won the gold medal amid controversy after getting three walkovers.
Incidentally, it was Rana who gave him a walkover in the title clash in Indore, but the duo wrestled this time and Sushil came out on top with a 5-4 margin.
In his first bout, Sushil defeated Johannes Petrus Botha of South Africa 8-0 followed by the win over Rana. Sushil also beat Jasmit Singh Phulka of Canada by fall en route his gold medal.
“It’s a very proud and emotional moment for me as I have returned to the mat on international level after a gap of 3 years. I want to dedicate this gold to my guru and to my nation. JaiHind????” an emotional Sushil wrote on his Twitter handle.
Sakshi takes gold
Another Olympics medallist, Sakshi Malik, also clinched a gold medal in the championships. Sakshi defeated New Zealand’s Tayla Tuahine Ford 13-2 in the final of the 62kg women’s freestyle category to add another gold for India.
