President, Vice President, PM congratulates Sushil Kumar

New Delhi, August 20 (ANI): President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday congratulated Sushil Kumar for capturing bronze medal in the men's wrestling freestyle 66 kilograms category at the Beijing Olympics.

In her message President Patil said, "I am extremely delighted and proud that you have won bronze medal in wrestling in the freestyle 66 kg. category at the Beijing Olympics. Your determination, grit and ambition for achievement have given the nation its second medal at these Games. You have proved that hard work will always bring laurels." Vice President Ansari noted Sushil Kumar reflects his hard work and determination. He said that this valuable addition to the Indian medal tally is a further inspiration for Indian sportspersons.

The Prime Minister said in his message to Sushil Kumar, " I congratulate you on winning the bronze medal in the Olympic Games. Your achievement has brought joy and pride to the nation. Your accomplishment will inspire all young sportspersons of the country to excel in their chosen fields of endeavour."

Sushil Kumar won the medal in the men's 66 kilograms freestyle category, defeating Leonid Speiridonov of Kazakhistan.

Khashaba Jadhav of Karad, Maharashtra, was the last Indian wrestler to win an individual bronze in the Helsinki Olympics in 1952.

Though Sushil Kumar went down in the opening round against a dominant Ukrainian Andriy Stadnik, he won the bronze medal on technical points.

Earlier, Sushil Kumar was pegged down 3-8 on technical points. (ANI)