Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) US President Barack Obama congratulated the Indian cricket team - “Kings of Cricket” - for bringing back the World Cup to the country after 28 years, US Ambassador Timothy Roemer said here Monday.

“On behalf of the people of America and President Barack Obama, we congratulate heartily the Kings of Cricket and the Kings of the World for bringing the Cup after 28 years,” the US envoy told reporters after meeting Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.

Using words like “spectacular” for India’s World Cup victory, Roemer was equally generous in his praise for Indian cricket captain M.S. Dhoni.

“We want to congratulate the magnificent decision-making of the Indian captain, Dhoni, who was flawless in exercising great judgement,” he said.

Roemer said he had plans to visit India Gate in New Delhi area, which was filled with partying people Saturday night, but was dissuaded by his security advisors.

The US envoy had a special word for the Indian security forces for having successfully and tirelessly conducted a safe World Cup.

He also turned his focus on India-Pakistan relations, pointing out the cricket had been playing an important part of the revival of contacts.

“You have three things working at once in these talks. You have cricket diplomacy, you have the real substance and engagement on issues, which is critical, and then you have the people-to-people ties. That is something which the US applauds,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had invited his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani to watch the semi-final match between the two South Asian neighbours at Mohali.