JEDDAH/RIYADH/DAMMAM: As the rest of their countrymen celebrated India's date with destiny, Indian expatriates in the Kingdom were not far behind. In fact, no sooner had Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed the spectacular six at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium to secure India's first Cricket World Cup title in 28 years on Saturday, did the party begin. (See also P11) The festive spirit gripped the Kingdom Sunday as Indian expatriates distributed sweets, congratulated each other and partied all day long. The World Cup victory boosted the morale of Indian expats and gave them reason to cheer and celebrate. Some cricketing enthusiasts added that each time India played in the tournament, they took half-day leave to support their team. “The final was most enjoyable and marked the climax of an arduous effort over several weeks,” Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad told Saudi Gazette. “It was most gratifying that two South Asian countries met in the finals. Both the teams played extremely well in an atmosphere of sportsmanship and good cheer. The team that won was the better team on that day but Sri Lanka played extremely well, upholding the highest standards of the game,” the ambassador said. Dr. Anwar Khursheed, a Jeddah-based doctor, said it was a “moment of pride for all of us.” I congratulated all my friends and cricket-lovers the moment Dhoni smashed the sixer. It was a good match. But besides the phenomenal effort by the Indian side, I am sure the prayers of all the Indian people — both within the country and outside — contributed to the victory. We are celebrating this amazing victory with all the members of the Indian community,” he said. “We have always prayed for India's victory and are most excited now that our dream has come true,” added Asimuddin Ansari Razi. “The whole team deserved this victory and the best thing was that the Indian team played consistently well. I hope they continue to play like this. I congratulate everyone on India's victory.” Dr. M.S. Karimuddin said there was never any doubt that India would win the World Cup once it beat Australia. “I told all my friends that India will win and beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka the moment they defeated Australia,” he said. “It was a great final and a great win. As Indians, we are very proud of what Dhoni and his team have achieved and are celebrating this victory with sweets and parties.” “In the end, it was the team spirit that made it possible for the Indian team to win the World Cup,” said Memon Abdulkader. “This win is not just a tribute to all Indians but in it there is a lesson for all Indians as well: to unite and work together for the greater good of the country.” “The Indian cricket team has created history by lifting the World Cup. It was a memorable day for all Indians living across the world,” said Jayaraj Shankaran. “India deserved the World Cup and also has to pay a special tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, described as a legend in the cricketing world,” explained Mahesh Thotam. “Well done, India.” “The men in blue (team India) have been most impressive with their winning spree in the ICC tournament,” said Pratik Rajput. “We, NRIs, send warm wishes to team India on a well-deserved win.” “I would like to see India on top after this victory and bag every tournament they play,” added Siddharta Kar. “Indians here in Dammam were congratulating each other, promising to throw parties,” said Iqbal Bilal Ahmed, a businessman from Dammam. “We dearly love captain Dhoni for his leadership. To the Sri Lankan team, I appreciate their sportsmanship. They played very well.” “I could have asked for nothing more this year than this victory that has made us proud as a people and a nation,” added Zainab Sumayya, a high school student. “Being champions under Dhoni's captaincy has made me more proud. The team has worked hard to make Sachin's dream come true as it was his last World Cup. Well done,” summed up Abdul Majid, a teenage cricket lover and fan from Dammam.
