President of India's Message to Indian Cricket Team on World Cup Victory

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has congratulated the Indian Cricket Team on winning the Cricket World Cup after defeating Sri Lanka in Mumbai today, in the final match of the competition. In her message to Shri Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the President has said:-

"The road to success has been long and hard. You and your team were tested at every stage. Dedication to the cause, the strength of character to stay the course and astute leadership, however have finally converted the potential of a talented group of youngsters, the experience of veterans and the hardwork of the Coach and his staff, into the reality of becoming World Champions. All of you truly deserve the thanks of a billion plus Indians today".

This release issued at 2250 hrs.