Two days after being captured by the Pakistani army, IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned home to India on Friday to a hero's welcome.
Pakistani officials handed over Varthaman to Indian officials, including from the IAF, at the Attari-Wagah Border late Friday night and as the national hero crossed the border, there were celebrations across the nation.
While some reached the Attari-Wagah Border to welcome Varthaman, many Indians took to Twitter to celebrate his safe return. Among them was ace tennis star Sania Mirza.
“Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan. You are our HERO in the truest sense.. The country salutes you and the bravery and dignity you have shown #Respect. #WelcomeBackAbinandan Jai Hind,” wrote Sania on Twitter
The former world number one is currently enjoying time away from the game after giving birth to her son with husband Shoaib Malik a few months back. Her social media posts though do suggest the new mother is well on her way to making her WTA comeback with Mirza posting videos of intense training sessions everyday.