Commonwealth Games winners felicitated at Vigyan Bhavan

Union Sports Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar felicitated medal winners of the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow at Vigyan Bhavan in the capital today.

"It's a huge honour for me to be here. I have watched so many competitions and this was one of those special ones which produced excellent results for us. I particularly want to congratulate the women achievers," said Tendulkar.

All the players are special but I think women especially from rural parts of India have to struggle a lot. Above all, I feel proud that you all have chosen such sports which are not very popular in India," he said.

All the sportsmen have a dream to represent the nation. When I was selected for cricket my dream was to play for India. I think it is important to accept everything with humility, stay focused and grounded. That is what my father told me and I would like to give you the same advice," he added.

Besides Tendulkar, Sonowal too expressed his joy over India's good performance in the Commonwealth Games this year. "We are here to felicitate our players, we are very proud of them," he said.

Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh said that a sports person is the pride of the entire country.

"A sports person is the pride of the entire country and it feels good when the government honours us. Now I just hope to get fit by Asian games," said Singh.

Wrestler Sushil Kumar who bagged a gold medal in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games this year thanked Sonowal for his support.

"I would like to thank the sports minister for his support towards us all, but we also want the support of our countrymen for the Asian games and world championship," said Kumar.