Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Sports fraternity pays tribute to former prime minister

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on Thursday evening after battling prolonged illness. He was 93. 

Vajpayee breathed his last at 5:05 pm at New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Atal Bihari Vajpayee was admitted to AIIMS on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion. He was on life support for the last couple of days.

People from all walks of life are paying tribute to one of the tallest leaders of the nation. Several people from the sports fraternity reacted on Vajpayee’s demise and paid their tribute:

India is at a great loss today. Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee ji’s contributions to our nation have been innumerable. Thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018

The Indian Cricket Team and BCCI condoles the sad demise of former India Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Atalji dedicated his life in service of the nation.

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 16, 2018

A sombre day for us as we mourn the loss of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and Legendary Indian Captain Ajit Wadekar sir. May your souls rest in peace. India and its millions will always remember you fondly.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 16, 2018

Asaman ko choo gaya, jo asmaan sa vishal tha, dharti mein simat gaya, jo mitti jaisa narm tha.
Kaun hai jo Atal reh paya zindagi bhar, Atal banke wo zindagi ko paa gaya.
Om Shanti #AtalBihariVajpayee ji pic.twitter.com/56Xi1sqzEf

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018

#AtalBihariVajpayee ji - 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. शांति शांति 

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 16, 2018

The end of an era. #AtalBihariVajpayee ji worked so hard for the country. He's been a father figure, an icon and an inspiration to millions of people. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and followers.

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 16, 2018

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

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 16, 2018

One of India's Most Loved Prime Minister, a great poet and a wonderful statesman. We as a nation will miss you sir #AtalBihariVaajpayee ji Deepest condolences to admirers and loved ones . pic.twitter.com/BPQRUD8nLG

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 16, 2018

End of an era #RIPAtalBihariVaajpayee

— Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) August 16, 2018

An iconic leader, a visionary, a former prime minister, a Bharat Ratna. #AtalBihariVaajpayee ji really stood out tall as a statesman in Indian Politics. #RIP sir

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) August 16, 2018

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 Ratna #AtalBihariVajpayee is no more with us.His contribution for the motherland will inspire generations to come. pic.twitter.com/XhDk0WrNR5

— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) August 16, 2018

It's been a sad week, the demise of one of India's finest leaders "Mr. Vajpayee" is heartbreaking. #RIPVajpayee

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) August 16, 2018

A man of class and dignity. Always put India first. #AtalBihariVajpayee

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 16, 2018

One of the finest leaders, India has ever had. Feel a lot of gratitude for the love he showered upon me and also wished well for me in an election rally. The nation will miss him. Condolences to his loved ones #AtalBihariVaajpayee pic.twitter.com/Rr03FrfYWP

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 16, 2018

Vajpayee, famous for his political acumen and brilliant oratory skills, was also an ardent sports lover. He was also a big advocate of peace with Pakistan during his prime ministership.

So, when Sourav Ganguly and his Indian cricket team came to meet him before a historic tour of Pakistan in 2004, he had a message of peace for them.

He gave a special cricket bat to Sourav Ganguly with a beautiful quote "Khel hi nahi, dil bhi jeetiye - shubhkamnaye" (Win not only the game, but hearts also - best wishes).