India’s leading sportspersons, including cricket captain Virat Kohli and former football skipper Bhaichung Bhutia, have paid tributes to the 20 Army personnel killed during a clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.
The clash at the Galwan valley was the most important Indo-China military confrontation in over five decades and escalated the volatile border standoff within the region.
“Salute and deepest reference to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to guard our country within the Galwan Valley. nobody is more selfless and brave than a soldier. Sincere condolences to the families. I hope they find peace through our prayers at this difficult time,” Kohli wrote on his twitter page.
His white ball deputy Rohit Sharma also mourned the death of the soldiers.
“Salute to our REAL HEROES who laid their lives protecting and honouring our border. May god give their families utmost strength,” Rohit tweeted.
Bhutia, who has also dabbled in politics, termed the attack a “planned one”.
“China had asked all its citizens to go away India few weeks back. The killing of our soldiers in LAC was a i feel a planned one.
“We completely condemn this cowardly act of China. Indian Govt should take strong necessary action and not bow right down to Chinese aggression,” Bhutia wrote on the micro-blogging site.