Indore: Two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar will be the cynosure of all eyes when he returns to the mat after three long years at the National Wrestling Championships, commencing here Thursday.
While Sushil is the lone big name in men’s freestyle segment, Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik and Geeta Phogat will be the star attractions in the women’s field at the four-day event.
Gearing up for a comeback next year with Commonwealth and Asian Games lined up, Sushil is not expected to leave any stone unturned when he will vie for top honours in 74kg category. He will be representing Railways.
Sushil, who was having a training stint in Tbilisi, Georgia, rushed back to the country last week to take part in the selection trials against Dinesh before the tourney. But he hardly had to break a sweat as Dinesh, the national junior champion, gave him a walk over.
“Wrestling fans will see a re-energised Sushil Kumar at the nationals,” Sushil said on his arrival here Tuesday. The 34-year-old was last seen in action at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games where he finished with a gold medal.
Sakshi and Geeta will look to get back to form after dismal performances at the World Championships in August. Sakshi will be competing in women’s 62kg at the event which will see participation of around 800 wrestlers, 100 coaches and 50 technical officials.
