India’s sporting fraternity reacted with sorrow and indignation on Tuesday as news of the Pahalgam terrorist attack broke, leaving at least 26 civilians dead and many injured. Several top athletes joined in mourning the victims while some called for an end to all sporting relations with Pakistan.
The assault at the popular tourist destination in south Kashmir was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The carnage has provoked outrage and deep sorrow across the nation.
Cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli led tributes. “The affected families must be going through an unimaginable ordeal – India and the world stand united with them at this dark hour, as we mourn the loss of lives and pray for justice,” Tendulkar posted.
Kohli wrote, “Heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength to families all those who lost their lives and justice to be served for their cruel act.”
Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav also extended their condolences, while former wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami issued a strong appeal to cut all sporting links with Pakistan.
“And this is exactly why I say – you don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever,” Goswami posted. He criticised those who had earlier defended sporting ties under the pretext that sport should rise above politics. “...murdering innocent Indians seems to be Pakistan’s national sport and India should respond with zero tolerance and not with bats and balls,” he stated.
Goswami, who recently visited Pahalgam, lamented the return of bloodshed to the valley. “It breaks something inside you. It makes you question how many more times we’re expected to stay silent, stay ‘sporting,’ while our people die. No more. Not this time,” he added.
Boxer and BJP MP Vijender Singh echoed the sentiment. “Our brave soldiers will definitely give a befitting reply to this cowardly attack in the coming times,” he said. “The plans of those who want to disturb the peace in Jammu and Kashmir will never succeed.”
Gautam Gambhir, the Indian cricket team’s head coach and BJP MP, wrote: “Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike.”
Two-time Olympic medallist and badminton ace PV Sindhu wrote an emotional tribute. “My heart aches for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. So much pain. So much loss. No reason, no cause can ever justify such brutality.”
She added, “To the families left behind — your grief is beyond words, but you are not alone. We are with you. In these dark moments, may we find strength in each other, and never let go of the hope that peace will return!”
Olympic gold medallists Neeraj Chopra and Abhinav Bindra were among those who expressed sorrow.
“Heartbroken by the tragic attack in Jammu & Kashmir. Prayers for the victims and their families,” Chopra wrote.
“Terror has no place in our world, we must stand united against hatred and violence,” stated Bindra.
Cricketer Suresh Raina condemned the “cowardly act by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists” and praised the Indian forces, saying, “India stands united with our brave Army, J&K Police, and Paramilitary forces in the fight against terrorism.”
Former spinner Harbhajan Singh added, “My heart goes out to family members of all those who lost their lives in dastardly attack. This can’t be forgiven.”
Olympic goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, shuttler Saina Nehwal, and boxer Nikhat Zareen were equally vocal in their condemnation.
“Condemnation is not enough, justice must follow. Our hearts bleed for Pahalgam,” wrote Sreejesh.
Saina noted, “The Pahalgam terror attack is a heartbreaking reminder of the threats we continue to face.”
Zareen asserted, “Those who attack innocents attack humanity itself. Justice must be swift.”
Parthiv Patel wrote of his disbelief: “Shocked and angry to hear what happened in Kashmir. While those responsible will be punished, right now there’s a numb disbelief.”
Other cricketers including KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Anil Kumble expressed their grief. “Violence like this has no place in our country,” Gill said.
Kumble added, “Let’s stand together against hate.”
Former India coach Ravi Shastri wrote, “A ghastly, cowardly act that should unite the nation fully, bar none.”
Cricketer-turned-politicians Yusuf and Irfan Pathan also shared their anguish. “Every time an innocent life is lost, humanity loses,” Irfan wrote. Yusuf added, “Such acts of violence have no place in our society.”
The Pahalgam attack is the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, which killed 40 CRPF personnel. Tuesday’s assault has reignited calls for stringent measures and a total diplomatic and sporting disengagement with Pakistan.
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