How Did Operation Sindoor Unite India’s Sports Stars Against Terror?

New Delhi, May 7 (NationPress) Following the Indian Army's decisive and strategic counterterrorism initiative—Operation Sindoor—the sports community of India has united to commend the armed forces for their courageous and thoughtful response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists.

From cricket icons like Sachin Tendulkar and World Cup champions Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Chetan Sharma, to Olympic and Paralympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and Devendra Jhajharia; and from cricket stars such as Shikhar Dhawan, Pragyan Ojha, Jhulan Goswami, and Varun Chakravarthy, the Indian sports fraternity has rallied together to express their support for Operation Sindoor.

In the early hours of May 7, India executed precision strikes against nine high-value terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in retaliation for the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives—25 Indian nationals and one Nepali.

The air and missile strikes strategically focused on terror infrastructure associated with internationally recognized groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Care was taken to prevent civilian casualties or damage to Pakistan's military assets, highlighting India's dedication to strategic restraint even in the face of retaliation.

Cricketers, many of whom have consistently voiced their support for India's armed forces, quickly responded with heartfelt messages on social media, utilizing trending hashtags like #OperationSindoor and #JaiHind.

Cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar expressed a unifying message that resonated across demographics: “Fearless in unity. Boundless in strength. India’s shield is her people. There’s no room for terrorism in this world. We’re ONE TEAM!”

Wrestling star and Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia, whose brother was a victim of the Pahalgam attack, also paid tribute to the Army’s bravery.

“I am immensely proud of our Indian Army. They have honored my brother's death with justice, courage, and precision,” Punia remarked to IANS.

“Their actions have provided solace to families like mine while making the entire nation proud. It is essential that we support the armed forces without any divisions or political undertones. On national security, the country must present a united front. Let this operation serve as a warning: any attack on India will be met with strength and determination,” Punia added.

Gautam Gambhir, head coach of the Indian men’s team, was among the first to honor the armed forces. A staunch advocate for national security and a former MP, Gambhir delivered a succinct yet impactful message: “Jai Hind.” Aakash Chopra, former opener-turned-commentator, reflected Gambhir’s sentiment in a similarly patriotic post: “Jai Hind.”

Pragyan Ojha, ex-India spinner and former players' association representative, also contributed to the chorus of respect: “Jai Hind.”

Harbhajan Singh, a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, expressed his tribute unequivocally in a social media post: “JAI HIND #OperationSindoor is Bharat’s response to the brutal killing of our innocent brothers in Pahalgam.”

Jhulan Goswami, legendary Indian women’s team bowler, celebrated the operation with poetic precision in her post: “Precision. Purpose. Power. That’s how India answers. #OperationSindoor.”

Shikhar Dhawan, known for his charismatic presence both on and off the field, shared a brief clip on Instagram encapsulating the spirit of the operation, captioning it: “Jo kaha tha, woh karke dikhaya. Justice is served. Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” (“We did what we promised. Justice is served. Hail Mother India!”).

India men's cricket team fast bowler Mohd Shami declared, “The Indian Armed Forces transformed adversity into a significant victory moment. Their courage and valor in the face of danger have made us all proud. Jai Hind.”

Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh kept his message succinct but poignant: “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” while wrestler Sakshi Malik, who secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, stated that the Indian armed forces have eradicated the next generation of terror supporters who caused immense suffering to sisters and daughters in India.

“Jin atankvadiyon ne Pahalgam me desh ki behan betiyon ka sindoor ujada that, Bharatia sena ne unki aane wali pushtein tak uzad di. Bharatia sena ke jazbe ko hamara salam. Jai Hind, Jai Hind ki sena (The Indian armed forces have eliminated the next generation of terrorists who rendered our sisters and daughters widowed in Pahalgam),” expressed Sakshi Malik and her husband Satyawart Kadian, an Arjuna Award winner.

Varun Chakravarthy, currently active in IPL 2025 with the Kolkata Knight Riders, shared an official photograph of the Indian Army operation on his Instagram story.

Chetan Sharma, former India pacer and selector, framed the strikes in a powerful patriotic context, stating on X, “Jab baat suraksha ki ho toh Bharat sankoch nahi karta. #OperationSindoor – ek jawab nahi, ek sandesh hai.”

Devendra Jhajharia, India’s most decorated Paralympian and current PCI President, penned a heartfelt Hindi post praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the armed forces: “When terrorists shattered the lives of our daughters and sisters, it was not just a provocation—it was a direct challenge to the self-respect of every Indian... Operation Sindoor is not merely a military operation; it is a tribute to the brave souls who laid down their lives and a response to those who mock our resolve. Today, we are guided by a Prime Minister who doesn’t merely speak, he takes action.”

Saina Nehwal, badminton star, and former cricketer Suresh Raina also joined the conversation, posting “Jai Hind” to their millions of followers on social media platforms.

Boxer Gaurav Bidhuri delivered a powerful message to critics while extending heartfelt gratitude to the Indian armed forces.

“While we were at home, our Indian Army was executing Operation Sindoor. And for those who continually asked, ‘Modi ji, attack! Why aren't you attacking?’ — this is your definitive answer,” Bidhuri stated to IANS.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed in a statement released at 1:44 AM on May 7 that the strikes were precise, coordinated, and based on intelligence-led targeting. The nine terror sites targeted were not random; they were carefully selected due to their connections with organizations that have continuously attempted to disrupt peace in the region.