{image-padam urgent_20082008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Beijing, Aug 20: India's Sushil Kumar won the bronze medal after knocking out Kazakhstan's Leonid Spiridonav in a play-off in the men's 66 kg freestyle wrestling event at the Beijing Olympics.

In the morning, India's Sushil Kumar lost in the first round to Ukraine's Andriy Stadnik in the men's 66 kg freestyle event. Stadnik started off well as he earned the first point while Sushil levelled it soon but the tough Ukrainian took the lead again as he led the first round 2-1. Stadnik strengthened his lead by scoring quick six points in the second round while Sushil didn't even score a lone point against his mighty Ukrainian opponent.

Eventually Sushil made it to the Olympics after making it to the quarter-finals of the World wrestling championship, where he lost to Stadnik from a convincing margin of 4-15.

Delight at the historic feat, Indian wrestling team's coach Naresh Kumar said, 'We are bearthless with this achievement. We are delighted.'

This is India's first Bronze medal at Olympics since 1952.

OneIndia News