Families celebrate victory of Sushil Kumar and Vijender Kumar

New Delhi/Kalbas (Haryana), Aug 21 : Families and friends of wrestler Sushil Kumar and boxer Vijender Kumar celebrated their respective victories over their opponents on Wednesday.

"This is a proud moment not only for us, but for the entire country. People are celebrating this with gusto," said Kamla Devi, Sushil's mother, while speaking about her sons's bronze medal win over Kazakhstan's Leonid Spiridonov. .

Overwhelmed by her brother's success, sister Nisha said, "I feel very proud of him. I wish every house has a son like him and every sister gets a brother like him who can make the country proud."

Sushil Kumar is the second wrestler in 56 years to bag a bronze medal at the Olympics, the first bring K. Jadhav of Maharashtra at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952.

Vijender Kumar secured India's first boxing medal when he outpointed Ecuador's Carlos Goncora in the quarterfinals by a margin of 9-4.

"The most valuable thing for us is a gold medal. We are hopeful that Vijender would bring for us. My blessings are with him," said Krishna Devi, Vijender's mother, who lives in Bhiwani, Haryana.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani also extended his best wishes to Vijender ahead of his semi final bout.

"I congratulated Vijender on his victory in the quarter finals. I have also conveyed to him that the country is hopeful that like Abhinav Bindra, he will also bring a gold medal," said Advani.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupender Singh Hooda said: "We will reward him as per our earlier announcements of rupees 2.5 million for the quarter finalists, five million to bronze medal winners, but I hope he will win a gold for us. He is working as a sub-inspector and now will be promoted as Deputy Superintendent. We will also give him a state honour."

After Abhinav Bindra's gold medal success in 10m Air Rifle event and Sushilumar's bronze, the victory of Vijender has ensured that India's medal tally will at least be boosted by one more medal.

ANI