Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar led the sports fraternity in condoling the sudden demise of former India president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
"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," Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter handle.
Dr Kalam, who served as the 11th President on India from 2002 to 2007, passed away in Shillong on Monday after being admitted to the Bethany Hospital in the city.
The 84-year-old collapsed during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India paid tribute, saying, "RIP Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Impeccable character and indomitable spirit."
BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur wrote: "@APJAbdulKalam 's life and work will inspire generations of thinkers, scientists & leaders.
"'People's President' @APJAbdulKalam was an inspiration, intellectual & incredible human being. We have lost a great Indian today. RIP."
India's Test skipper Virat Kohli also payed homage to the late former Indian president.
"A role model for so many, a visionary leader and a person with an indomitable spirit, RIP APJ Abdul Kalam Sir," Kohli wrote on Twitter.
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle said: "Not just a leader but a cult hero. A great President. A great Indian #RIPKalam."
Here’s how other sports personalities reacted on Twitter:
"What a sad day this has been ?? #RIPKalam #GurdaspurAttack," posted tennis ace Sania Mirza.
"You had won everyone's Heart Sir. #RIPKalamSahab . It's a great loss to the Nation," wrote badminton player Jwala Gutta.
Karun Chandhok, only one of the two Indian drivers who reached the level of Formula One: "Just heard the sad news that our former President Abdul Kalam passed away... A brilliant scientist and truly inspirational leader #RIP."
Indian Davis Cupper Rohan Bopanna: "Really sad to hear about the passing away of our former president Dr.Abdul Kalam. #RIP."
Former India cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi: “Arguably India's Greatest President APJ Abdul Kalam moves on ever so quietly..just the way he lived,with utmost Simplicity & Humility!!"
Cricketer Shantakumaran Sreesanth, who was recently exonerated from all spot-fixing charges: "If u want to shine like sun, burn like sun" famous words by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
"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."
Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara said he has read quite a few inspirational books written by Dr Kalam, 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 said.
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- 15 inspiring quotes by Bharat Ratna Dr Abdul Kalam
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