Captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, two days after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down.
Pakistani officials handed over Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border late Friday.
As everyone celebrated braveheart Abhinandan’s return to India, India’s sporting stars took to Twitter to dedicate heartfelt message for Abhinandan.
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag was one of the first people to welcome back the hero with open arms.
"How proud we are to have you! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage # WelcomeBackAbhinandan. We love you and are filled with pride because of you. # WeAreSupposedToTellYouThis, " wrote Sehwag on Twitter.
Indian captain Virat Kohli followed the suit on Twitter.
“Real Hero. I bow down to you. Jai Hind,” Kohli wrote on Twitter.
Here’s how India’s sporting fraternity reacted on Twitter after Abhinandan’s return:
On Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan as a ‘peace gesture’.
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