India’s sporting stars joined the nation in mourning the tragic demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others on Wednesday, describing it as a tragic day for the nation.
The 63-year-old Gen Rawat, his spouse Madhulika and 11 different armed forces personnel died on Wednesday after the navy helicopter they had been travelling in crashed close to Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, the Indian Air Force mentioned.
“Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of CDS Bipin Rawat ji and other officials in a tragic helicopter crash. My deepest condolences to the friends & family members,” tweeted India Test cricket captain Virat Kohli.
Offering his condolences, Sachin Tendulkar wrote: “Gen Bipin Rawat’s pleasure and utmost dedication for India was palpable. It’s a tragic day for India and our defence forces.
pic.twitter.com/NLwN0OxacY
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 8, 2021
“Prayers for the departed souls of Gen Rawat, Mrst rawat and all the defence forces personnel who were in this unfortunate incident.”
The lone survivor, Group Captain Varun Singh, is at the moment beneath remedy at a navy hospital in Wellington.
“Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh,” Tendulkar wrote.
Tokyo Olympics silver medallist weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and London Olympics bronze winner shuttler Saina Nehwal additionally took to the micoblogging website to supply their prayers.
“Extremely tragic news about the helicopter crash near Conoor. RIP,” tweeted Mirabai.
Saina wrote: “Very sad to hear about the news ?RIP #bipinrawat sir.”
Athletics Federation of India shared a two yr outdated {photograph} of Rawat, which was taken throughout his participation on the One-mile run occasion.
“We have lost a great lover and supporter of sport… Rest in Peace Chief,” AFI tweeted.
“Such a tragic loss!” wrote AFI president Adille Sumariwalla.
Former India cricketers resembling Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman and others too paid their condolences, calling his passing away as “tragic”.
Deeply saddened to listen to in regards to the demise of Sh. #BipinRawat and his spouse in a tragic helicopter crash. The nation will at all times be grateful to Gen. Rawat for his service to the nation. Om Shanti 🙏🏼Jai Hind pic.twitter.com/b4qwfAW2Kz
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 8, 2021
“Deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife Mrs. Madhulika Rawat and 11 other personnel of our armed forces. My deepest condolences to their families and well-wishers,” Yuvraj tweeted.
Former opener Virender Sehwag tweeted, “Extremely pained to hear about the passing away of Shri #BipinRawat , his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 army personnel in the tragic helicopter crash. Gratitude for his wonderful service to the nation.”
India pacer Mohammed Shami wrote: “Very sad news & Deeply saddened to hear about the BipinRawat and his wife in a helicopter crash. The nation will always be grateful to Sir Bipin Rawat & his wife Madhulika Rawat & 11 more soldiers. Rest in Peace.”
Former Test batsman VVS Laxman too was left saddened by the tragic lack of Rawat.
“Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Sh. #BipinRawat and his wife in a tragic helicopter crash. The nation will always be grateful to Gen. Rawat for his service to the nation.”
Former seamer Venkatesh Prasad described Rawat as somebody who felt like a household to him.
“There are some men who feel like ones from our family. Our security forces feel like family and feel extremely pained to hear about the demise of CDS #BipinRawat and his wife in the tragic helicopter crash. May Parmatma give Sadgati to the bravehearts who lost their lives.”
There are some males who really feel like ones from our household. Our safety forces really feel like household and really feel extraordinarily pained to listen to in regards to the demise of Gen #BipinRawat and his spouse within the tragic helicopter crash. May Parmatma give Sadgati to the bravehearts who misplaced their lives. pic.twitter.com/IBrfhkqKeL
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) December 8, 2021
Legendary sprinter PT Usha additionally was left deeply anguished by the information of his tragic demise.
“Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat, CDS, Mrs. Rawat, and the 11 others on board the chopper. My prayers for the departed souls, and deepest condolences to the families.”