Indian cricket legend and honorary Group Captain Sachin Tendulkar who was in attendance at the 87th-anniversary celebrations of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Hindon Air Force Station on Tuesday shared his feelings after watching Abhinandan Varthaman fly a MiG-21 at an air show during the event.
The master batsman tweeted, “Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman leading the flying parade in the MiG-21 Bison at the 87th Anniversary of the @IAF_MCC! His spirit and courage is an inspiration to all of us. Had goosebumps seeing him lead the parade today.”
Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman leading the flying parade in the MiG-21 Bison at the 87th Anniversary of the @IAF_MCC!
His spirit and courage is an inspiration to all of us. Had goosebumps seeing him lead the parade today.#AFDay19 pic.twitter.com/FZOU0CHueS— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 8, 2019
Sachin, the former Indian captain and one of the all-time greats of the game, was conferred with the Group Captain rank in September 2010. Other dignitaries like Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhaduaria were also present at the occasion.
Sachin attended the event with his wife Anjali Tendulkar. Tendulkar, as a mark of respect for his extraordinary achievements, while representing the country in International Cricket for 24 years, was greeted by Air Force officers at the event.
The right-handed batsman retired from International cricket in 2013. He is also the first sportsperson ever who was made the honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force.