``It was a very creditable performance by Jyotirmoyee Sikdar who clinched gold for India by winning 1500 metres in 4:12.82. This girl from Bengal has done proud to all Indians,'' said an elated Milkha Singh.

He also praised silver medallist Shakti Singh (shot put), bronze medallist Sunita Rani (1500 m), Paramjit Singh (400 m), Neelam J Singh (discus, bronze), Gulab Chand (5000 m, bronze) and Rachita Mistry (100 m, bronze) for their outstanding performance in Bangkok.

Milkha Singh, who ran 80 international races in his career and had won 77, was, however, disappointed with the timing of Paramjit Singh who had clocked 45.70 in the Nationals in Calcutta recently. Milkha had clocked 45.6 in Rome Olympics in 1960 to finish fourth in a photo-finish.

Milkha Singh said that he would present a promised cheque of Rs one lakh to Paramjit Singh at a fucntion soon. However, another Rs one lakh would be given if Paramjit repeats his Calcutta performance in an international meet.