Wednesday, April 5 2006 11:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Assuring the sports fraternity of all possible help from the Government in fulfilling their potential, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Apr 5, 2006) called upon the athletes for an even better performance at the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi.

"The Government will do everything possible to ensure that the latent sporting talent in India comes to the fore," Singh said while addressing the Indian medal winners from the Melbourne Commonwealth Games at his residence here.

The Indian contingent returned with 22 gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze medals from the quadrennial event.

Congratulating the athletes on their glorious 'adventure,' he said, "I am confident that the Indian medal tally will go even higher in the next edition which we will be hosting."

The Prime Minister said there was a need for proper facilities, suitable incentives and ample recognition for the sportspersons who bring glory to the country.

All the medal winners were individually introduced to Singh, led by ace shooter Samresh Jung, who captured five gold medals and a silver and a bronze, and was adjudged the outstanding athlete of the 18th Commonwealth Games.

Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi brought up the matter of decrease in daily allowance for the athletes since the 2002 Manchester Games and also the delay in disbursal of cash incentives promised to medal winners.

Indian athletes received US$ 20 per day while they were in Melbourne, compared to the US$ 50 and US$ 35 they received at Athens and Manchester respectively.