New Delhi: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan Friday to a hero’s welcome, two days after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down.
Here’s how India’s sporting fraternity lauded his return on social media.
BCCI: “#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come #TeamIndia.”
Sachin Tendulkar: “A hero is more than just four letters. Through his courage, selflessness and perseverance, OUR HERO teaches us to have faith in ourselves. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan.”
Virat Kohli: “Real Hero. I bow down to you. Jai Hind.”
Saina Nehwal: “Welcome back our hero #WingCommandarAbhinandan #IndianAirfoce.”
Virender Sehwag: “How proud we are to have you ! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage #WelcomeBackAbhinandan . We love you and are filled with pride because of you. #WeAreSupposedToTellYouThis.”
Ravichandran Ashwin: “In my time alive on this planet, I haven’t seen a bigger hero. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan.”
Suresh Raina: “Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman, the entire country salutes your spirit and bravery. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan.”
Sania Mirza: “Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan .. you are our HERO in the truest sense.. The country salutes you and the bravery and dignity you have shown #Respect #WelcomeBackAbinandan Jai Hind.”
Gautam Gambhir: “I must say I was nervous before he returned. I am glad India got its son back!!! #Abhinanadan #AbhinanadanVarthaman”
Rohan Bopanna: “Welcome home to Wing Commander Abhinandan. #Abhinandan”
Mary Kom: “Tears of Joy and Victory. You are a real super hero and a true warrior. My salute to you. #WelcomeBackAbinandan #AbhinandanReturns #JaiHind.”
Jwala Gutta: “Welcome back #AbhinandanVartaman.”
Harsha Bhogle: “Relief. Joy. Moved. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan.”
Mithali Raj: “We salute your bravery #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan.”
Manika Batra: “#WelcomehomeAbhinandan. We bow to your courage and bravery. Jai hind.”
Harbhajan Singh: “Welcome home #Abhinandanhero Real hero of our Nation.. This is where you belong..proud of you.”
PTI