By IANS,
New Delhi : US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer Sunday congratulated India on its cricket World Cup victory over Sri Lanka and said he was proud to watch the two nation’s cricketers put up a truly spectacular show.
He also hailed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s cricket diplomacy by inviting his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani to the semifinal match between the two countries in Mohali March 30.
“On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate India on winning the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup in Mumbai yesterday (Saturday),” Roemer said in his message here.
“As a friend of India and Sri Lanka, the United States was proud to watch the players of both countries put up a truly spectacular show in the true spirit of great sportsmanship,” he added.
“The people and the government of India can take pride in successfully hosting the cup and displaying great statesmanship and leadership through sports diplomacy. India’s great fans helped cheer the team to victory, as they brought the World Cup back to India after 28 years,” he said.
Roemer also applauded Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s sterling performance as skipper and man of the match in the finals and Yuvraj Singh’s accomplishments as the player of the tournament.
They “led a tremendous team effort” by the Indian side, he added.
“The cup is an especially gratifying highlight in Sachin Tendulkar’s glorious career. On behalf of the United States, I present our congratulations to India,” he said.