CHANDIGARH, March 31: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today congratulated the cricket players from India and Pakistan for their outstanding performance during the semi final match of the World Cup played at Punjab Cricket Association grounds in Mohali. He pointed out, both the teams put in their best but ultimately only one team can win and yesterday it was India.Capt Amarinder Singh also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh, Mr Yousuf Raza Gilani, the Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi, and the general secretary Mr Rahul Gandhi for being present at the ground to boost the confidence and morale of the players of the two teams.
Capt Mariner also led a delegation of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, including the CLP Leader Ms Rajinder Kumar Bhattal to receive the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Congress President , Ms Sonia Gandhi and the general secretary Mr Rahul Gandhi at the Chandigarh airport.
In a statement issued here today, the PCC President maintained that yesterday’s match was played in the true sportsmanship spirit where the fans from both India and Pakistan supported and cheered every good performance, while the players themselves acknowledged each others’ good performance.
Lauding the initiative of the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to invite the Pakistan Prime Minister Mr Gilani to witness the match, which he gracefully accepted, Capt Amarinder Singh said, this match had set a very positive and healthy precedent for the times to come.
The PCC President also congratulated hundreds of Punjabis who accorded warm and hospitality to Pakistani cricket fans who were unable to find accommodation in the hotels. “Once again we Punjabis have proved that come what may, we will always be as hospitable as ever”, he remarked.
Capt Amarinder Singh pointed out, it was during his tenure that people to people initiative between two countries, particularly two parts of Punjab had been taken and which was gradually showing its results. He hoped that the matches like the one played yesterday will pave the way for further strengthening the mutual trust and confidence between the people of the two countries who have more things in common to share than to rival about.