Sportspersons condemn 'dastardly' terror attack

A pained Indian sporting fraternity, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Saina Nehwal, Friday condemned the "dastardly and cowardly" terror attack on CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

At least 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in a terror attack on Thursday, while several others are battling for their lives following what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli wrote on his twitter handle, "I'm shocked after hearing about the attack in Pulwama, heartfelt condolences to the martyred soldiers & prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured jawaans."

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar said, "Cowardly, dastardly, meaningless...... my heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayers for recovery of those brave hearts in hospital. Salute to your commitment to 'Service and Loyalty'.

Top batsman Rohit Sharma also expressed his shock.

"Shocked and horrified by what happened #Pulwama. The day we all celebrated love some cowards spread hatred. Thinking about the jawans and their families. India keep them in your prayers."

The BCCI also condoled the tragic incident at Pulwama through its acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary.

Former India cricketers such as Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir also condemned the terror attack.

"Really pained by the cowardly attack on our CRPF in J&K in which our brave men have been martyred. No words are enough to describe the pain. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured," Sehwag said.

Hitting out at those calling for a dialogue with Pakistan, Gambhir wrote, "Yes, let's talk with the separatists. Yes, let's talk with Pakistan. But this time conversation can't be on the table, it has to be in a battle ground. Enough is enough. 18 CRPF personnel killed in IED blast on Srinagar-Jammu highway."

Other top athletes from other sports also condemned the attack.

Olympic medallist shuttler Saina Nehwal said, "Shocked to hear the news of the #KashmirTerrorAttack .. my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the martyred CRPF jawans."

World Championship gold medallist weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu said, "A matter of great grief and anger as we lost our #Jawans at the #Pulwama attacks. My thoughts and prayers for the families of the martyrs. India will fight back."

New sprint sensation Hima Das expressed her sadness at the loss of lives.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic attacks by the terrorists on our Jawans at #Pulwama. My thoughts and prayers with the families of the brave martyrs," Hima wrote on her twitter handle.

Olympic medallist wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Yogeshwar Dutt also slammed the perpetrators of the attack.

"Terribly saddened to hear the news of the #Pulwama attack. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," Malik said.

Champion boxer Vijender Singh said, "Really pained by the cowardly attack on our CRPF in J&K in which our brave men have been martyred. No words are enough to describe the pain. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured."

Indian hockey captain Manpreet Singh said, "It's a condemnable and cowardly act! Heartfelt condolences, strength, courage to the family and loved one of martyred soldiers of."

National football team captain Sunil Chhetri prayed for the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the attack.

"Going through a range of emotions with regard to what's happened in Pulwama. Keeping all those aside for the moment and praying that the families of the soldiers find the courage to cope with a loss that should never have been," he wrote.