New Delhi:
Wrestler Sushil Kumar rewrote the history books as he became the first Indian wrestler to win a gold medal in the World Wrestling Championships.
Praises have been pouring, and so have the cash awards. Sushil is a Railways employee, and Minister Mamta Banerjee has announced a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh for the grappler.
The 27-year old wrestler from Haryana beat Russia's Gogaev Alan in the final to clinch the gold medal. (Congratulate him)
He had earlier assured atleast a silver medal by defeating Hasanov Jabrayil of Azerbaijan in the semifinal.
Speaking to NDTV, Sushil said, "I am very happy with this win and this is bigger than my win at the Beijing Olympics".
"I have been working on this for very long, and it makes me very proud," the wrestler added.
Sushil had a great tournament beating the European champion in the semis in what he called his toughest bout of the competition.
His coach said that Sushil was confident of winning the gold medal even before the final.
The final bout was decided 3-1 in the favour of the Indian wrestler.
Meanwhile, back at his Najafgarh home, things were unusually quiet. His family no doubt is waiting to add the latest medal to his impressive collection.
"Sushil Kumar is a kind of person who practices eight hours daily. Even if he has a social engagement, he does not sleep before practicing. We are really very happy that he has achieved this for the country," Diwan Singh Choudhary, Sushil Kumar's father said.
His hard work and dedication has caught the eye of even the baadshah of Bollywood.
"SRK tweeted to say that it felt awesome to hear about Sushil's achievement. He looks so simple and earthy. No noise, just lots of commitment and hardwork"
"I am very happy for him, hope he wins gold at CWG," Bhaichung Bhutia, Captain of Indian Football Team said.
Sushil had earlier done the country proud by winning a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and with this win he starts as a favourite at home to clinch a gold in the Commonwealth Games.
Praises have been pouring, and so have the cash awards. Sushil is a Railways employee, and Minister Mamta Banerjee has announced a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh for the grappler.
The 27-year old wrestler from Haryana beat Russia's Gogaev Alan in the final to clinch the gold medal. (Congratulate him)
He had earlier assured atleast a silver medal by defeating Hasanov Jabrayil of Azerbaijan in the semifinal.
Speaking to NDTV, Sushil said, "I am very happy with this win and this is bigger than my win at the Beijing Olympics".
"I have been working on this for very long, and it makes me very proud," the wrestler added.
Sushil had a great tournament beating the European champion in the semis in what he called his toughest bout of the competition.
His coach said that Sushil was confident of winning the gold medal even before the final.
The final bout was decided 3-1 in the favour of the Indian wrestler.
Meanwhile, back at his Najafgarh home, things were unusually quiet. His family no doubt is waiting to add the latest medal to his impressive collection.
"Sushil Kumar is a kind of person who practices eight hours daily. Even if he has a social engagement, he does not sleep before practicing. We are really very happy that he has achieved this for the country," Diwan Singh Choudhary, Sushil Kumar's father said.
His hard work and dedication has caught the eye of even the baadshah of Bollywood.
"SRK tweeted to say that it felt awesome to hear about Sushil's achievement. He looks so simple and earthy. No noise, just lots of commitment and hardwork"
"I am very happy for him, hope he wins gold at CWG," Bhaichung Bhutia, Captain of Indian Football Team said.
Sushil had earlier done the country proud by winning a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and with this win he starts as a favourite at home to clinch a gold in the Commonwealth Games.
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