Sushma Swaraj: 'One of my favourite politicians'

Former External Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj died of a cardiac arrest on Tuesday, and various personalities from the sports fraternity offered condolences on the demise of the 67-year-old leader.

"I'm beyond aggrieved at the passing away of Smt. #SushmaSwaraj A veteran politician and a pillar of the BJP, she was loved by everyone. She will be remembered as the most endearing & helpful politicians of recent times. My condolences to her family and friends. A huge loss for India," former Indian cricketer and current BJP MP, Gautam Gambhir tweeted.

"Deeply saddened by the news of Sushma Ji's demise, may her soul rest in peace," Kohli wrote on his Twitter page.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said Swaraj will always live in the hearts and minds of the people.

"I have no words left with me at this point of time. She truly lived for the motherland INDIA. Sushma ji, you will forever live in our heart and mind," he said.

Former Sports Minister and Olympic silver-medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore expressed shock at the sudden death of the senior leader.

"Shocked by the sudden demise of Sushma Swarajji. In a political career spanning over 50 years, she touched a billion hearts with her strength, grace and compassion. Her clutter breaking approach as the External Affairs Minister will always be revered and remembered," Rathore tweeted.

Tennis ace Sania Mirza said she had the honour of working with the BJP leader.

"Shocked at the passing away of my dear Sushma Swarajji. Had the honour of working as the brand ambassador of the 'girl child' campaign under her able guidance and will cherish my personal relationship with her forever. R.I.P. ma'am," said Sania.

Decorated shooter Heena Sidhu described Swaraj as a great leader.

"I was so sad looking at the headlines in the paper today. I really really liked Sushma Swaraj ji. She was someone to look up to. She was a great leader, a great orator, a strong woman and true to her work. India will miss her deeply," Heena wrote.

"Heartfelt condolences to family and admirers of #SushmaSwaraj ji. Om Shanti," former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag tweeted.

Six-time World champion boxer, MC Mary posted a picture and wrote on Instagram: "Deeply grieved to hear the demise of Smt #SushmaSawraj ji. My condolences to her family in this hour of grief. May her departed soul Rest In Peace. #RIPSushmaSwaraj.

"Fierce, result-driven & a people's person -- she was all of that & more. A true leader. Still unable to process the news of #sushmaswaraj Ji's passing away. Extremely disturbed! A big loss for our nation. May you rest in peace," cricketer Suresh Raina tweeted.

"Here in the West Indies and just heard the terrible news of passing away of #SushmaSwaraj ji. Condolences to her family, gone too soon," former cricketer Mohammad Kaif tweeted.

"RIP @SushmaSwaraj," cricketer Harbhajan Singh tweeted.

"Sad to hear about the passing away of #SushmaSwaraj ji.Deepest condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti," former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman tweeted.

"One of my favourite politicians. Lots to admire. Heartfelt condolences. Huge loss. Rest in peace," said cricketer-turned commentator Aakash Chopra. PTI CM

Swaraj was admitted to All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) following a deterioration in her health. She passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Union ministers Prahlad Patel, Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goyal, and Nitin Gadkari were among the early leaders who rushed to AIIMS following the news of Swaraj's demise.

Earlier on Tuesday, the senior BJP leader had welcomed the revoking of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the move.

"Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," Swaraj had tweeted.

Swaraj was appointed the foreign minister in the first term of Modi government in 2014. She opted out of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections citing health reasons.

During her tenure, the BJP leader had been active and popular on Twitter reaching out to the Indian diaspora in distress for assistance.