Wrestling icons Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar revive old friendship, share heartwarming exchange on Twitter
Sushil Kumar (left) and Yogeshwar Dutt
What's the story?
Two of India's greatest-ever wrestlers and Olympic medalists -- Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar, shared a truly heartwarming moment on social media today on Thursday. Dutt, who is celebrating his birthday, received wishes from Kumar and responded in fine style.
Kumar referred to Dutt in his tweet as 'bade bhai', which means elder brother and Dutt thanked him with a couplet and referred to Kumar as 'bhai', showing that the relations between the two grapplers have improved.
The duo, after their medal-winning exploits at the 2012 London Olympics, were fast friends but their friendship soured after the controversy prior to the 2016 Games in Rio involving Kumar and Narsingh Yadav. Dutt, who had taken a stand in favour of Yadav, had said at the time that their relationship is not as it used to be and the two were not on talking terms.
In case you didn't know
Sushil Kumar is one of India's most decorated wrestlers and won two Olympic medals in a row -- a bronze in Beijing in 2008 and a silver in London in 2012, along with a World Championship gold in 2010.
Yogeshwar Dutt became the third Indian wrestler ever to win a medal at the Olympics, with a bronze-winning effort in London in the 60kg freestyle category.
The heart of the matter
Kumar, who is a few months younger than Dutt, sent in his wishes on Twitter. He stated that Dutt had made the nation proud with his achievements and added 'always with you' while signing off.
His tweet was met by a heartwarming response from the senior grappler. He stated that the two still share a strong bond and despite the fact that they not speak, Kumar's wishes are truly genuine and filled with love.
What's next?
Despite having not competed for a long time, the two ace grapplers are eyeing a comeback next year with the Commonwealth and Asian Games lined up.
Author's take
It is truly wonderful to see such a display between two of India's most famous sportspersons. One hopes their friendship remains intact!