India's Chef de Mission pays tribute to Vajpayee

India's Chef de Mission (CDM) for Asian Games, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh today joined the nation in paying tribute to former Prime Minister, the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Singh led the prayers accompanied by his deputies Rajkumar Sacheti and D K Singh, IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta and treasurer Anandeshwar Pandey.

"Atal ji played a huge role in the development of our country. Nuclear power, which everyone appreciates today, was his contribution despite criticism and pressure from the entire world," the CDM said in his address.

"I think it is our responsibility to give him our respects and the best way to do that would be by winning as many medals as we can."

The handball team, wrestlers, archers and boxers and their respective officials were also present as the Indian contingent paid respect to the legendary politician at the Games village here.

Vajpayee passed away in New Delhi yesterday after a prolonged illness. His mortal remains were consigned to the flames today evening at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal on the banks of the Yamuna in New Delhi.

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