Virat Kohli leads wishes as sports world welcomes New Year 2026: 'Keep pushing to be your best version'

As the world welcomed 2026, leading names from the sports fraternity shared warm New Year wishes, spreading messages of love, gratitude, hope and motivation for the year ahead.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli welcomed the New Year with a personal and heartfelt post. Sharing a picture with his wife Anushka Sharma, Kohli wrote, “Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life.”

Sports world rings in New Year

Chess grandmaster Anish Giri also wished everyone on the New Year. He described the moment of midnight as a time for gratitude and hope - gratitude for everything the past year offered and hope for what the future may bring.

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) also joined in, wishing the global shooting community a Happy New Year. IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings kept it short and playful with their post as they shared MS Dhoni and his family’s photo, saying the “New Year came early.”

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Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh shared an inspiring message, urging people to never stop believing in themselves. He spoke about pushing to become the best version of oneself and staying strong during tough times, while also expressing gratitude for the people and experiences in his life.

Football star Jamal Musiala and former India women’s cricket captain Mithali Raj also shared simple New Year wishes, greeting fans across the world. Former India batter VVS Laxman wished everyone a happy, healthy and successful New Year.

ICC chairman Jay Shah shared a cricket-themed message, wishing everyone a “boundary-filled year” and hoping that dreams score big in 2026.

When the clock strikes 00:00 and it is the New Year, for me it is always a moment of gratitude and hope.

Gratitude for all the good the year has given you.

And hope for what the next year may have in store.

Happy New Year 2026 everyone!🎄🎁♟️

— Anish Giri (@anishgiri) December 31, 2025

New Year’s best wishes from the #IndianFootball family! 🎊 pic.twitter.com/r79h9780YM

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) December 31, 2025

As we head into 2026, ISSF wishes the Shooting Sport community a Happy New Year 🙌#ISSF #ShootingSports pic.twitter.com/3UQODMXjdZ

— ISSF (@issf_official) December 31, 2025

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year ❤️ Never stop believing in yourself, never stop inspiring others and keep pushing to be your best version 🔥 When the day gets tough, you don’t back down - you get up and do it again! 👊🏻 Grateful for the moments, the people and the experiences… pic.twitter.com/ujPTXBPAb1

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 31, 2025

Happy New Year everyone 💫 pic.twitter.com/F4TkC3o0nj

— Jamal Musiala (@JamalMusiala) December 31, 2025

Happy New Year everyone!🎉 pic.twitter.com/Rah6YZv6qr

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) December 31, 2025

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful New Year. May 2026 bring peace, purpose and progress🤗🤗#HappyNewYear #NewBeginnings pic.twitter.com/th4IhwNWqR

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 1, 2026

Wishing you a boundary-filled year! Happy New Year 2026! May your dreams score big and your spirit stay on top! #HappyNewYear pic.twitter.com/aebBlUb7Sg

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 1, 2026

Pichle saal Azmaaye bhi gaye the or nawaze bhi. Is saal nayi umeede. Happy New Year to everyone from Pathan family 🎆 pic.twitter.com/Rj4MyqlzNb

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 31, 2025

As the whole country stands in mourning, let us hope the days ahead bring peace, unity, and positivity for all. 🙏

May the Almighty bless our beloved country with strength, harmony, and a brighter future. 🇧🇩

Wishing everyone a prosperous and meaningful year ahead. ✨#LKD16 pic.twitter.com/hkaAzCZt1h

— Litton Das (@LittonOfficial) December 31, 2025