'Incredible human being': From Sachin to Sania, sports fraternity pays tribute to Abdul Kalam

New Delhi: The Indian sports fraternity joined the nation in mourning the death of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, saying it was a great loss to the nation that the inspirational leader is no more. [caption id=“attachment_2366036” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  APJ Abdul Kalam. Reuters[/caption] 83-year-old Kalam, who was President from 2002 to 2007, collapsed during an interaction with IIM students and was declared brought dead by the doctors. Players from all sports remembered Kalam as an inspirational leader. “The nation mourns the loss of a great person. Former President of India, a renowned scientist, an inspiration to all, a terrific human being..RIP Abdul Kalam,” star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said.

The nation mourns the loss of a great person (1/2)

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 27, 2015

Former President of India, a renowned scientist, an inspiration to all, a terrific human being...RIP Dr. Abdul Kalam (2/2)

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 27, 2015

Ace tennis player Sania Mirza took to twitter to pay her respect to the departed soul.

What a sad day this has been 😔 #RIPKalam #GurdaspurAttack

— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) July 27, 2015

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Badminton players Jwala Gutta and Saina Nehwal also wrote on their twitter pages.

We will miss u deeply Mr. Abdul Kalam sir a great person .....RIP

— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) July 27, 2015

You had won everyone's Heart Sir. #RIPKalamSahab . It's a great loss to the Nation. pic.twitter.com/PPL1zvEn4L

— Gutta Jwala 💙 (@Guttajwala) July 27, 2015

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Karun Chandhok, only one of the two Indian racers who reached the level of F1, wrote:

Just heard the sad news that our former President Abdul Kalam passed away... A brilliant scientest and truly inspirational leader #RIP

— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) July 27, 2015

Indian Davis Cupper Rohan Bopanna also wrote on his twitter page to pay his tribute to Kalam.

Really sad to hear about the passing away of our former president Dr.Abdul Kalam. #RIP

— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) July 27, 2015

Anil Kumble, India’s leading wicket takers in Tests, posted his message as well.

A huge loss for the nation, you were a source of inspiration to millions of countrymen #RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) July 27, 2015

BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur tweeted his tributes as well.

'People's President' @APJAbdulKalam was an inspiration, intellectual & incredible human being. We have lost a great Indian today. RIP.

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 27, 2015

. @APJAbdulKalam 's life and work will inspire generations of thinkers, scientists & leaders. https://t.co/MgzZcuQrnH

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 27, 2015

Sh @APJAbdulKalam passed awy doing wat he loved best-Teaching students.He'll live on thru his work,ideas,books & the generation he inspired.

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 27, 2015

Former cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi was effusive in praise of India’s Missile Man.

Arguably India's Greatest President APJ Abdul Kalam moves on ever so quietly..just the way he lived,with utmost Simplicity & Humility!!

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) July 27, 2015

'APJ' had childlike curiosity 2 learn!'What makes a good spinner?'He'd asked me once.'Hard work & more hard work' I responded.'Is that all?'

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) July 27, 2015

Cricketer S Sreesanth, who was recently exonerated from all spot-fixing charges, chose to tweet Kalam’s words in his tweet as a mark of respect.

Very sad day for india...deeply Saddened hearing the news at the sudden demise of Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam .surly the real Ratna

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) July 27, 2015

"If u want to shine like sun, burn like sun" famous words by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) July 27, 2015

The Indian cricket Board (BCCI) also tweeted its tribute.

RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Impeccable character and indomitable spirit - #MissileMan pic.twitter.com/qyVN1bjSW9

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2015

Ravichandran Ashwin Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin wrote:

Very sad day for http://t.co/UQfyBw1vxg Dr.Kalam.The nation will always remember you for launching the Rohini.

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 27, 2015

As a country the best gift we can give Mr.kalams soul,is to make his India 2020 vision a reality.Thank you for being a selfless soul sir.

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 27, 2015

As a country the best gift we can give Mr.kalams soul,is to make his India 2020 vision a reality.Thank you for being a selfless soul sir.

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 27, 2015

Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi wrote:

His genius & love for kids will forever live in memories of generations to follow. My deepest sympathy to the family RIP #MissileManofIndia

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) July 27, 2015

Cheteshwar Pujara said he has read quite a few inspirational books written by him with ‘Vision 2020 Missions’ being one of his favourites. “I have read his (Dr Kalam’s) books starting from Vision 2020. I have admired him a lot. The kind of vast knowledge that he has shared with the entire country. He has been an inspirational person for entire country. “Just wanted to say that we will be missing him. I pray to Almighty that his soul rests in peace,” Pujara paid his tribute. With inputs from PTI