SPORTS

A rendezvous with the President

Source:PTI
August 26, 2008

Wrestler Sushil Kumar and pugilist Vijender Kumar, who won a bronze medal each at the Beijing Olympics, pose with the India's President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Earlier, after a resounding campaign at the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing, the Indian contingent, including the two bronze medallists, arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi late Monday night.

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The Indian contingent, which created history by winning as many as three medals, including one gold, was received by Union Sports Minister M S Gill at the airport.

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Speaking to the media, Sushil Kumar exuded, "Although I have won bronze this time, I am confident of winning a gold medal in the forthcoming Asian and Commonwealth Games in addition to the London Olympics."

Thousands of fans,  waving the tricolour and chanting slogans, gathered at the airport to welcome the Olympics heroes.

Such was the craze that Vijender was literally escorted out of the place without any intervention. However, Sushil was more than obliged to answer the media.

Earlier, there was a small skirmish between the Delhi Police and Vijender's family, who were initially not allowed to enter the VIP enclosure.

Vijender's father Mahipal Singh Beniwal, uncle Ramesh Singh and brother Manoj Singh were barred from entering the enclosure as the Delhi Police failed to recognise them, but later allowed to enter the premises. 

Source: PTI
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