New Delhi: 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 here 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’.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams wear black armbands in memory of Manmohan Singh
The Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams sported black armbands in their respective matches on Friday to honour former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who died in New Delhi.
Singh, a two time former prime minister from 2004 to 2014, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday after losing consciousness at his home owing to age-related ailments. He was 92.
The men’s team, led by Rohit Sharma, is playing the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne.
The women’s side, on the other hand, is facing West Indies in the third and final ODI in Vadodara.
“The Indian team is wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect in the memory of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Singh, also a renowned economist, was the architect and the brainchild of economic reforms in 1991 that pulled India from the brink of bankruptcy and ushered in an era of economic liberalisation that is widely believed to have changed the course of India’s economic trajectory.
