Cricketers salute Indian soldiers on 17th anniversary of Kargil War

On the 26th of July in 1999, an intense battle came to an end with Indian Army (ably supported by Indian Air Force) successfully forcing Pakistani infiltrators to back off from the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. The occasion has been commemorated as Kargil Vijay Diwas (Kargil Victory Day) since then.

Since the battle took place under a high-altitude mountainous region, the situation demanded enormous bravery from the Army members. During the 17th anniversary of the historic Kargil War, numerous Indian cricketers hailed the efforts and sacrifices of those lion-hearted soldiers with heartfelt messages on Twitter yesterday.

Fresh from a brilliant double ton which sealed an innings victory in Antigua, Indian Test captain Virat Kohli recollected his experiences as a 10-year old.

He was joined by his head coach Anil Kumble as well.

Attacking batsman Virender Sehwag bowed down to the soldiers’ selflessness.

Bow down to the selfless heroes of our country on #KargilVijayDiwasWe r at peace only bcoz of ur efforts&sacrifices pic.twitter.com/uGFdzRcr0S

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 26, 2016

The stylish VVS Laxman felt inspired by the moment.

Ajinkya Rahane expressed his gratitude to the Army.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan saluted their perseverance.

Here is BCCI President Anurag Thakur.

The ever thoughtful Harsha Bhogle kept it nice and simple.

60 Days, Operation Vijay.I was in school during the Kargil War. I remember how every family shared the pain of the soldiers (1/2)

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 26, 2016

We prayed for them & felt proud of being an Indian. To the soldiers & their families, you are the real heroes of India #JaiHind (2/2)

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 26, 2016

Let’s salute the selfless heroes. Forever indebted for their sacrifices and hardships. #KargilVijayDiwas

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) July 26, 2016

On #KargilVijayDiwas I Salute our ever vigilant,dedicated,motivated Jawans who sacrifice their lives 2 protect our motherland #Inspiration

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 26, 2016

527 soldiers sacrificed their lives so we can live safe. All Indians should forever be Grateful to the Indian Army #KargilVijayDiwas

— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) July 26, 2016

A salute to our brave heroes who lost their lives in the defence of our motherland. #KargilVijayDiwas pic.twitter.com/eVZCtwmBmP

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 26, 2016

#KargilVijayDiwas- Tales of courage & heroism will continue to inspire generations.Our leadership in 99' showed resiliance & decisiveness.

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) July 26, 2016

Respect and admiration. Always. #kargilvijaydiwas

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 26, 2016