CWG 2018 - 'Sushil Kumar is India's greatest athlete': Twitter hails decorated wrestler after his stunning gold

Double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar (74kg) and Rahul Aware claimed contrasting gold medals even as defending champion Babita phogat (53kg) settled for a silver on the opening day of the 21st Commonwealth Games' wrestling competition in Gold Coast, Australia, on Thursday.

Sushil took a minute and 20 seconds to defeat Johannes Botha of South Africa on technical superiority to claim his third successive gold medal at the Games.

Aware, on the other hand, prevailed 15-7 over Canada's Steven Takahashi in an exciting contest during which the Indian was troubled by a groin niggle but chose to carry on with more than a minute left on the clock. Aware's triumph opened India's gold medal account in the three-day wrestling competition at the Games.

However, Babita settled for silver after being outmanoeuvred by Canada's Diana Weicker in the summit clash. Babita, who claimed a silver in the 2010 edition before a gold in Glasgow, failed to break through her rival's defences, going down 2-5 in the contest.

Twitter was full of praise for India's medal winners on Thursday.

Here are some tweets

Hearty congratulations to Sushil Kumar for performing as per his reputation and winning GOLD at #GC2018 in the Men’s 74 Kg Freestyle Wrestling; we are proud of your achievement #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 12, 2018

Guess Sushil Kumar's gold was predictable but joy from Rahul Aware too.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 12, 2018

Sushil Kumar is India's greatest athelete, he is double Olympic medalist(India has 11 Olympic individual medalist) and now will be double Commonwealth medalist. Only Asian Games medal missing, but for me is the greatest #GC2018wrestling

— Gour (@pratikgour) April 12, 2018

The land of kushti does it again: 2 golds in 20 minutes! Well done Sushil Kumar, the most successful Indian wrestler ever! Rang de tiranga! #CWG2018 india

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) April 12, 2018

Super Gold by SuperMan
Sushil Kumar defeated 1st Pakistan's Muhammad Asad Butt then Australia's Connon Evans & in final to
Johannes Botha of South Africa in Men's Freestyle 74kg in #GC2018 .We are Proud of you @WrestlerSushil Brother 
  #GC2018Wrestling pic.twitter.com/WDSW5wFPKw

— Maj Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) April 12, 2018

Congratulations to Babita Kumari for winning a SILVER in Women's Freestyle 53Kg Wrestling (Nordic System). India's first wrestling medal at #GC2018 #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 12, 2018

Another medal ! Congratulations to Babita Kumari for winning a SILVER in Women's Freestyle 53Kg Wrestling (Nordic System). Haryana daughter clinching India's first wrestling medal at #GC2018 bringing glory to nation. #GC2018Wrestling pic.twitter.com/riPHaKVM6X

— Vipul Goel (@VipulGoelBJP) April 12, 2018

Congratulations to @WrestlerSushil and Rahul Aware for the gold in wrestling. Wonderful performance. Feel very proud of the performances of our athletes #GC2018Wrestling pic.twitter.com/Hbu9HqN0fV

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 12, 2018

So proud and happy of Rahul Aware - seen him slogging it out at IIS and can’t be more stoked for him - well done to Rahul Aware and @jswsports - woohoooooo #Commonwealth2018 india

— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) April 12, 2018

That emotion says it all. The wait, the struggle. Congrats Rahul Aware

— Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) April 12, 2018

What a moment for Rahul Aware!! Well played young man. You will be the rare elite breed to stand atop the podium and see the tri colour go up and hear Jana gana Mana! Congrats.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) April 12, 2018

While Babita's bout lacked spark, Aware's showdown with Takahashi was thoroughly engaging. The Indian trailed 6-7 at one stage but claimed points on takedown to recover and keep himself ahead.

(Inputs from PTI)