New Delhi, Dec 17 (PTI) Double Olympic medallist SushilKumar made a glorious return to the international arena byclinching a gold medal at the Commonwealth WrestlingChampionships in Johannesburg, South Africa today.
Returning to international wrestling after more thanthree years, Sushil defeated New Zealand Akash Khullar's via apinfall in the final of the 74kg freestyle category to clinchthe yellow metal.
It was his first medal in international wrestling sincehis gold medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
It was double celebration for India as other wrestler insame category, Parveen Rana also won a bronze medal.
Sushil returned to competitive wrestling in November atthe Senior Nationals in Indore where he won a gold medal amidcontroversy after getting three walkovers from his fellowwrestlers.
Incidentally, it was Rana who gave him a walkover in thetitle clash in Indore, but the duo wrestled this time andSushil came out on top with a 5-4 victory margin.
In his first bout, Sushil defeated Johannes Petrus Bothaof South Africa 8-0 followed by the win over Rana.
Sushil also beat Jasmit Singh Phulka of Canada by fall enroute his gold medal.
Soon after the victory, Sushil, who won bronze in 2008Beijing Olympics and then followed it up with a silver in 2012London Games, dedicated the win to his motherland and coach.
"It's a very proud and emotional moment for me as I havereturned to the mat on international level after a gap of3years. I want to dedicate this Gold medal won in#Commonwealthwrestlingchampionship at #SouthAfrica to my guruand to my Nation. JaiHind????," an emotional Sushil tweetedafter his win.
Soon after winning the Nationals, Sushil resigned as aNational Observer for wrestling after Sports MinisterRajyavardhan Singh Rathore stated that active sportspersonswill not be considered for the position. PTI SSC ATKATK.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.