President Patil meets Asian Games champions in New Delhi

NEW DELHI - President Pratibha Devisingh Patil met athletes who won the top honours in the 16th Asian Games in China, at her residence here on Saturday.

The athletes received bouquets from Patil for their achievement.

Interacting with mediapersons, Ashwini Shetty, the gold medallist at the 400 metres hurdles event, admitted they had tough competition but still the Indian team managed to win.

“We got very tough competition in the Asian Games this time. Kazakhstan and China gave us strong competition. But our girls performed really well though some got unwell after Commonwealth Games which concerned us still our entire team tried hard and bagged medals,” said Shetty.

Athletes are now focusing on the forthcoming Olympic games, which are scheduled to take place in London, from July 27 to August 12, 2012.

“In 2012, Olympics are scheduled and it is our next main target to perform extremely well in it,” said Manjeet Kaur, who won the gold in 4×400 metres relay at the Asian Games. (ANI)