Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Bhaichung Bhutia and other athletes pay tribute to fallen Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley

New Delhi, June 17: 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 biggest Indo-China military confrontation in over five decades and escalated the volatile border standoff in the region.

"Salute and deepest respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country in the Galwan Valley. NO one 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.

Salute and deepest respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country in the Galwan Valley. NO one 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. 🙏

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 17, 2020

His 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.

Salute to our REAL HEROES who laid their lives protecting and honouring our border. May god give their families utmost strength #GalwanValley

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) June 17, 2020

Bhutia, who has also dabbled in politics, termed the attack a "planned one". "China had asked all its citizens to leave India few weeks back. The killing of our soldiers in LAC was a I think a planned one. We completely condemn this cowardly act of China. Indian Govt should take strong necessary action and not bow down to Chinese aggression," Bhutia wrote on the micro-blogging site.

China had asked all its citizens to leave India few weeks back. The killing of our soldiers in LAC was a I think a planned one. We completely condemn this cowardly act of China. Indian Govt should take strong necessary action and not bow down to Chinese aggression pic.twitter.com/PToDa61mLv

— Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) June 17, 2020

Olympic bronze medal winning duo of wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and shuttler Saina Nehwal and cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina were also among the notable athletes to pay tributes to the fallen soldiers.

India is saddened by the loss of twenty brave soldiers and their CO who led from the front.
RIP Brothers!👏👏

Time for the whole country to come together as one. This will not be forgotten #IstandwithIndianArmy

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 17, 2020

A sacrifice that will never be forgotten by the nation. Heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the Indian Army officer and the two soldiers. Saluting your bravery, Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 #GalwanValley pic.twitter.com/Kk2Wt0WdSs

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 16, 2020

I salute the Indian army 🇮🇳💪..I salute the Indian soldiers who were martyred at #GalwanValley ..My heart goes out to the families of these brave soldiers..🙏 #JaiHind @IndINDIANARMY pic.twitter.com/L31a3YGlcS

— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) June 16, 2020