Sachin Tendulkar, PV Sindhu among sporting stars to pay tributes to Manmohan Singh

Sachin Tendulkar, PV Sindhu among sporting stars to pay tributes to Manmohan Singh

Stalwarts of Indian sports paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who died on Thursday, describing him as a visionary, who had quiet strength and humility. Singh died in New Delhi after losing consciousness at his home due to age-related ailments. He was 92.

"Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singhji. His quiet strength, wisdom, and humility were truly inspiring. I had a brief interaction with him in 2013 — he was kind, gracious, and left a lasting impression. My heartfelt condolences to his family," wrote India's ace shuttler Sindhu on 'X'.

Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singhji. His quiet strength, wisdom, and humility were truly inspiring. I had a brief interaction with him in 2013he was kind, gracious, and left a lasting impression. My heartfelt condolences to his family
Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) December 27, 2024

Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar termed Singh's demise as a huge loss for the country. "Dr Manmohan Singh ji's demise is a profound loss for India. His contributions to our nation shall always be remembered. My prayers are with his family and loved ones as we mourn his passing away."

Dr Manmohan Singh jis demise is a profound loss for India. His contributions to our nation shall always be remembered. My prayers are with his family and loved ones as we mourn his passing away.Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/NO6jB1UZoL Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 27, 2024

Legendary golfer Jeev Milkha Singh recalled Singh's simplicity and humility, saying he was committed to national duty all his life. "Dr Manmohan Singh was probably one of the most humble men I had met in my life - a simple and extremely intelligent man. His sense of duty and responsibility shone through. The world has lost a visionary," wrote Jeev.

On Friday, both the men's and women's cricket teams wore black armbands during their respective national assignments to pay homage to the former PM. Earlier, World Cup-winning former cricketer Yuvraj Singh called Singh a "true statesman". A visionary leader and a true statesman who worked tirelessly for India's progress. His wisdom and humility will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones," Yuvraj Singh posted on X.

Sad news of the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. A visionary leader and a true statesman who worked tirelessly for Indias progress. His wisdom and humility will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. #ManmohanSingh ji
Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 26, 2024

Similar sentiments were expressed by his former teammate and Aam Aadmi Party's Rajya Sabha member Harbhajan Singh, who described Singh as a thorough gentleman and visionary leader. "What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his unwavering belief in India's potential," he wrote.

Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former Prime Minister, a thorough gentleman, and a visionary leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his pic.twitter.com/WKbjrnADJQ Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 26, 2024

It was during Singh's second term that India hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the national capital. It was the first international multi-sport extravaganza to be held in the country after the 1982 Asian Games, also hosted by Delhi. He had also inaugurated the National Football League's 11th edition in Kolkata back in 2005 when late Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi was heading the All India Football Federation.

Former wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is now a Congress MLA in Haryana, called Singh a man of "extraordinary wisdom, simplicity and vision." "Dr. Manmohan Singh was not just a Prime Minister, but he was a thinker, economist and a true patriot. His calm leadership style and economic vision gave the country a new direction, from the 1991 economic reforms to establishing India's reputation on the global stage.

"There was depth in his humility and wisdom in his every word. His services and contributions to the country will always be remembered. You will always live in our hearts, Sir," she wrote in her emotional tribute on social media.

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Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) December 26, 2024

Former cricketers Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman and ex-women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal were also among those who expressed their sadness at his death.

Before serving as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh was finance minister in the P V Narasimha Rao-led government and was the brain behind the economic reforms of 1991 that marked the beginning of liberalisation in the country. Widely respected for his intellect and grace in public life, Singh had retired from active politics in April this year after over a three-decade run as a Rajya Saha MP.