NEW DELHI, June 8: Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral today congratulated Davis Cupper Mahesh Bhupathi for his splendid feat in becoming the first Indian to win a Grand Slam title.

In a congratulatory message, Mr Gujral said the achievement of the 23-year old Bhupathi, in winning the mixed doubles title at the French Open tennis partnering Japan's Rika Hiraki, will inspire the younger generation.A PAT FROM KRISH: Indian tennis virtuoso Ramanathan Krishnan too lauded Bhupathi's win, describing it as a ``fitting effort when we are celebrating the 50th year of Independence.''

``It is an outstanding feat and a handsome win. I am very happy and this is the right type of victory to motivate Mahesh to work harder. It will be very good for his confidence, especially when he plays Davis Cup ties on clay in the future,'' the elated maestro told PTI from Chennai when contacted over telephone.

The former Davis Cup stalwart said: ``I have been connected with the game as a player and Davis Cup captain for so many years. And I have always noticed that youngsters (Mahesh is 23 years old) who do well in doubles finally end up playing very well in singles also.

Regarded the most complete tennis player of India who twice entered the Wimbledon singles semifinals, Ramanthan Krishnan said the win on clay by Bhupathi should be an added incentive.

``It will be very good for his confidence, especially when he plays Davis Cup ties on clay in the future,'' he said.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.