India’s sporting fraternity oscillated between grief and rage because it joined the nation in condemning the lethal terrorist assault in Pahalgam, with some demanding that the nation ought to minimize all sports activities ties with Pakistan. On Tuesday, terrorists opened fireplace at a chief vacationer location in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, killing not less than 26 civilians and injuring a number of others. The Resistance Entrance (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, has claimed accountability for the assault.
“And that is precisely why I say – you do not play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever. When BCCI or the federal government refused to ship India to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some had the audacity to say, ‘Oh, however sport ought to rise above politics’,” former India cricketer Shreevats Goswami mentioned in a strongly-worded submit.
“…murdering harmless Indians appears to be Pakistan’s nationwide sport and India ought to reply with zero tolerance and never with bats and balls,” he added.
ENOUGH!!!! pic.twitter.com/1fF6XUhgng
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) April 22, 2025
Whereas India has not performed bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2012–13, and the BCCI declined to ship its workforce for the Champions Trophy earlier this 12 months, different Indian groups have continued to journey to Pakistan for worldwide occasions.
Goswami, who had just lately visited Pahalgam, mentioned he had sensed hope and peace returning to the valley.
“And now… this bloodshed once more. It breaks one thing inside you. It makes you query what number of extra occasions we’re anticipated to remain silent, keep “sporting,” whereas our individuals die. No extra. Not this time,” he added.
An “outraged” Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer and ruling BJP member Vijender Singh additionally referred to as for agency “motion”.
“Our courageous troopers will certainly give a befitting reply to this cowardly assault within the coming occasions. Within the presence of the courageous sons of Mom India, the plans of those that wish to disturb the peace in Jammu and Kashmir won’t ever succeed,” he asserted.
Indian cricket workforce head coach and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir wrote: “Praying for the households of the deceased. These liable for it will pay. India will strike.” Two-time Olympic medal-winning badminton participant PV Sindhu too penned down an emotional submit.
“My coronary heart aches for the victims of the Pahalgam terror assault. A lot ache. A lot loss. No cause, no trigger can ever justify such brutality.
“To the households left behind — your grief is past phrases, however you aren’t alone.We’re with you. In these darkish moments, might we discover power in one another, and by no means let go of the hope that peace will return!” Sindhu wrote.
Olympic gold medallist duo of javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and Abhinav Bindra prayed for the victims.
“Heartbroken by the tragic assault in Jammu & Kashmir. Prayers for the victims and their households,” Chopra wrote.
“Heartbroken by the horrific terrorist assault in Pahalgam. My ideas are with the victims and their households. Terror has no place in our world , we should stand united towards hatred and violence,” Bindra added.
The assault is the deadliest terrorist act within the valley because the 2019 Pulwama strike.
“Strongly condemn this cowardly act by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. India stands united with our courageous Military, J&Okay Police, and Paramilitary forces within the struggle towards terrorism. Justice will prevail,” mentioned former India all-rounder Suresh Raina.
“My coronary heart goes out to members of the family of all those that misplaced their lives in dastardly assault. This cannot be forgiven,” former India spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote.
Olympic medal-winning former hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, shuttler Saina Nehwal and two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen additionally referred to as for justice.
“Condemnation will not be sufficient, justice should observe. Our hearts bleed for Pahalgam. Terror mustn’t ever win. Prayers for all affected within the Pahalgam assault,” Sreejesh wrote.
“The Pahalgam terror assault is a heartbreaking reminder of the threats we proceed to face.To these spreading concern — know that India stands united, and justice will prevail. Jai Hind,” Saina posted.
Zareen added, “Those that assault innocents assault humanity itself. Strongly condemn the cowardly terror assault in Pahalgam. Justice have to be swift.” Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel mentioned he was left numb by the horrible act.
“Shocked and indignant to listen to what occurred in Kashmir. Whereas these accountable shall be punished, proper now there is a numb disbelief on the horrible acts and the way during which all of it occurred,” Parthiv wrote.
The Indian batting duo of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul and former spinner and India captain Anil Kumble additionally supplied their condolences.
“Violence like this has no place in our nation,” Gill posted.
Kumble added: “Harmless lives misplaced to mindless violence. Praying for power and peace for the affected households. Let’s stand collectively towards hate.” Former India coach Ravi Shastri wrote “A ghastly, cowardly act that ought to unite the nation totally, bar none” Cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan and his brother Irfan Pathan additionally expressed deep anguish.
“Each time an harmless life is misplaced, humanity loses,” Irfan wrote.
“Such acts of violence haven’t any place in our society. Might peace prevail,” added Yusuf, who’s Trinamool Congress’ Lok Sabha MP from Baharampur, West Bengal.
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)
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