BCCI, sports persons pay tribute to Varthaman

The BCCI on March 1 put out a picture of the Indian Team's jersey bearing IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's name and number 1 on it as a tribute after his return to the country from Pakistan. Varthaman returned home from Pakistan late at night on March 1 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.

"#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come #TeamIndia," BCCI wrote in its twitter handle along with the picture.

Sports persons, including top former and current cricketers, also took to twitter to welcome Varthaman.

"A hero is more than just four letters. Through his courage, selflessness and perseverance, OUR HERO teaches us to have faith in ourselves. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan," batting legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote in his page.

India skipper Virat Kohli also shared a picture of the Indian hero in his social media account.

"Real Hero. I bow down to you. Jai Hind," he wrote.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag also posted a sketch of Varthaman on his twitter handle.

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"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," he wrote along with the picture.