New Delhi: In the wake of the Indian Army’s decisive and strategic counterterrorism response — Operation Sindoor — India’s sports establishment has come out to salute the armed forces for their bold and measured response to the terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 tourists lost their lives.
From cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and World Cup heroes Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Chetan Sharma to Olympic and Paralympic medalists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Devendra Jhajharia; from cricket stars Shikhar Dhawan, Pragyan Ojha, Jhulan Goswami and Varun Chakravarthy; to wrestlers, boxers and other athletes, the Indian sports community have risen in unison to support 'Operation Sindoor'.
Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster, weighed in with a unifying message that struck a chord across age groups: “Fearless in unity. Boundless in strength. India’s shield is her people. There’s no room for terrorism in this world. We’re ONE TEAM!”
"Wrestling icon and Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia, whose brother was killed in the Pahalgam attack, also broke his silence with a moving tribute to the Army’s bravery. I am immensely proud of our Indian Army. They have honoured the death of my brother with justice, courage, and precision,” Punia said.
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian men’s team, was among the first to salute the armed forces. A known advocate for national security and a former MP, Gambhir shared a succinct but powerful message: “Jai Hind". Aakash Chopra, former opener-turned-commentator, echoed Gambhir’s sentiment in a similarly patriotic post: “Jai Hind”.
Shikhar Dhawan, known for his flair both on and off the field, posted a short clip on Instagram capturing the spirit of the operation, with the caption: “Jo kaha tha, woh karke dikhaya. Justice is served. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” (“We did what we said we would. Justice is served. Hail Mother India!”).
Olympic bronze medalist boxer Vijender Singh kept it short but stirring, “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” while woman wrestler Sakshi Malik, who won a bronze medal in Rio Olympic Games in 2016, said the Indian armed forces have wiped out the next generation of the terror-supporters who caused so much grief to sisters and daughters in India.
Badminton star Saina Nehwal and former cricketer Suresh Raina also chimed in, posting “Jai Hind” to their millions of followers on social platforms. Boxer Gaurav Bidhuri delivered a searing rebuke to critics and a heartfelt salute to the Indian armed forces.
