NEW DELHI – Indian President Pratibha Patil said the national cricket team had earned the gratitude of “a billion-plus Indians” after winning the World Cup Saturday for the first time since 1983.
As the victory over Sri Lanka in Mumbai triggered celebrations across the country, Patil sent a congratulatory message to skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his players. “All of you truly deserve the thanks of a billion-plus Indians,” said Patil, who watched the final in the packed Wankhede Stadium along with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.
“The road to success has been long and hard and you and your team were tested at every stage,” Patil said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also hailed India’s victory, which ended a 28-year wait for another taste of World Cup glory. “The hard work and the efforts of Dhoni and his men have been rewarded,” said Singh, who watched the match on television in New Delhi.
“I join the nation in congratulating the Indian cricket team on their victory.
