Sonia visits Games village to meet Indian sportspersons

Beijing, Aug 7 (UNI) Congress president and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi today met Indian sportspersons at the Olympic Games Village and wished them luck with the hope that they will bring laurels to the country.

''The nation expects good performance from you (sportspersons),'' she was quoted as telling the athletes.

Amidst tight security, Mrs Gandhi arrived in the village and straight away drove to the Indian block. The large number of Indian journalists who are here to cover the games could not meet her.

Earlier Mrs Gandhi, her daughter Priyanka Vadra and son Rahul Gandhi, were accorded a warm welcome at the Beijing International Airport soon after their arrival here to attend the opening ceremony of the e 29th Olympic Games here tomorrow.

All the three dignitaries were received by the Chinese Minister for Protocol along with Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi at the airport.

India's ambassador to China Nirupama Rao was also present on the occasion.

UNI HSB RAR RL NS1826