By IANS,
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Sunday that hosting the 19th Commonwealth Games was “a proud moment” for Indians as he welcomed foreign guests and athletes to the gala event.
“Welcome to India! Welcome to these Games! The people of India are delighted to host the Commonwealth Games in this historic city. It is is a proud moment for the countrymen,” Manmohan Singh said.
He said it was “the spirit of participation and sportsmanship and not winning or losing” in the Games that unites the Commonwealth nations “as one large family”.
The prime minister said these Games were being organised to “uphold the spirit” of friendship between countries.
Manmohan Singh said the next two weeks will witness the “contest of human skill”. India, he said, would celebrate the sporting event.