President Pratibha Patil congratulated the Indian cricket team for winning the World Cup after a gap of 28 years with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka,saying the road to success was long and hard. "The road to success has been long and hard. You and your team were tested at every stage," she said in a message to Indian cricket team captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni. President sat through the entire match at Wankhede Stadium here and cheered the Indian cricket team. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was also present there. "Dedication to the cause,the strength of character to stay the course and astute leadership,however have finally converted the potential of a talented group of youngsters,the experience of veterans and the hardwork of the Coach and his staff,into the reality of becoming World Champions," Patil said. "All of you truly deserve the thanks of a billion plus Indians today," she added. India tonight lifted the cricket World Cup after a gap of 28 years with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the summit showdown here
