Sports fraternity mourns former PM Vajpayee’s demise

NEW DELHI: India’s sporting fraternity, led by Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and cricket

legend Sachin Tendulkar, on Thursday joined the nation in mourning the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

“# At al bi ha rivajpayeej i-A leader par excellence, a daring PM who made Pokhran possible, a highly principled politician & a poet of inspirational grit who was admired across party lines. His demise is an irreparable loss, and marks the end of an era. ? ????? ????? ,” Rathore wrote on his twitter handle.

Batting great Tendulkar wrote, “India is at a great loss today. Shri #At al bi ha rivajpayeeji’ s contributions to our nation have been innumerable. Thoughts and prayers go out to his

loved ones.” Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh said: “One of the Greatest PM this Country has ever seen.a visionary, A poet, A statesman, A man who won over million hearts. Man who deserves nothing but respect. Bharat Rat na# At albih ari vaj payee is no more with us. His contribution for the motherland will inspire generations to come.”

Chess champion Viswanathan Anand said: “India loses one of its great leaders. Gentle Giant thats a wonderful way to remember him and his work. My deepest condolences . #ripvajpayee.”

Cricketer Anil Kumble wrote: “A sad day for the country, as we lose one of our greatest leaders. #Atalbiharivaj payee contributed so much for the betterment of the country. May his soul rest in peace.”