'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.

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

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

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

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

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

BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur tweeted his tributes as well.

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

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.

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

Ravichandran Ashwin Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin wrote:

Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi wrote:

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