Somnath hails it as "Chak de India"

New Delhi, Mar 4 (UNI) Even a grand old politician and statesman like Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee could not contain his emotions and repeated the anthem of ''Chak de India''.

Effusive in his praise for the Men in Blue, Mr Chatterjee-- a cricket buff himself-- congratulated the Indian cricket team for their victory over the Australians in the Commonwealth Bank Tri-series today.

India today defeated the Kangaroos in Brisbane, Gabba in the second final of the best of three finals for the Tri-series.

''It is Chak de India,'' Mr Chatterjee said.

He said the victory should encourage every countryman to carry forward this spirit of courage.

On the Australians' on field behaviour, the Speaker quipped ''We should treat the loosers leniently.'' UNI BKS/SAA YA KP1733