From the Indian cricket team to five-time world boxing champion MC Mary Kom, sports fraternity mourned the demise of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Three-time Indian PM Vajpayee, who was also the first non-Congress Prime Minister to complete a full term in office, passed away on Thursday after battling ill health.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was 93. “The Indian cricket team and BCCI condole the sad demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Atalji dedicated his life to service of the nation,” the Board of Cricket for Control in India said in a statement.
” Most of all, you will always be warmed by the thought that once in your life. Millions Salute to you. Great leader with humble advice. #RIPVajpayeeJi #AtaljiForever #AtalBihariVajpayee,” Mary Kom wrote on Twitter.
Past and present Indian cricketers also took to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, to condole the demise of the Vajpayee.
Anil Kumble wrote: “A sad day for the country, as we lose one of our greatest leaders. #AtalBihariVajpayee contributed so much for the betterment of the country. May his soul rest in peace.”
Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin wrote: “It’s been a sad week, the demise of one of India’s finest leaders ‘Mr. Vajpayee’ is heartbreaking.”
Shikhar Dhawan wrote: “My deepest condolences on the passing of our former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. One of the few politicians I always respected for his honesty and devotion to the national cause. May his soul rest in peace.”
Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara in his message wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. His values and ideologies will be remembered forever.”