Sachin Tendulkar, Neeraj Chopra, and Rohit Sharma led heartfelt tributes after the iconic industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86.
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Indian sporting fraternity came together on Thursday to pay their respects to Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and national icon, who passed away aged 86. The demise of Ratan Tata was announced by N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, in a late-night statement on Wednesday.
“It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” Chandrasekaran said. “On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed,” he added.
PM Modi leads tributes
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was one of the first to pay his tributes to the iconic industrialist.
“Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi said: “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community.”
The Indian sports fraternity was equally hurt at the unfortunate news as cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar was among the early visitors at Rata Tata’s home in the Colaba area of Mumbai to pay homage.
#WATCH | Mumbai | Former Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar arrives at Colaba residence of industrialist Ratan Tata to pay his last respects pic.twitter.com/xwpaDqHfO4
— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2024
He also wrote an emotional post on X, stating that Ratan Tata’s “legacy will continue to live through the institutions you built and values that you embraced.”
Sports fraternity pay respects
Tokyo Olympics gold medallist, Neeraj Chopra, and India’s Test and ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, were among the other Indian sportspersons who took to social media to pay their respects.
“I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He was a visionary, and I’ll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired this entire nation. I pray that his loved ones find strength. Om Shanti,” Neeraj wrote.
I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He was a visionary, and I’ll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired this entire nation. I pray that his loved ones find strength. Om Shanti. 🙏
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) October 9, 2024
“A man with a heart of gold. Sir, you will forever be remembered as someone who truly cared and lived his life to make everyone else’s better,” Rohit said.
A man with a heart of gold. Sir, you will forever be remembered as someone who truly cared and lived his life to make everyone else’s better. pic.twitter.com/afbAbNIgeS
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 10, 2024
Here are the other reactions:
A true gem of Mother India! #RatanTata pic.twitter.com/0FIe5hS0Xg
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 10, 2024
Ek mahaan insaan, ek saccha visionary. Ratan Tata sir aapki legacy hamesha humare saath rahegi. RIP 🙏🙏#RatanTata pic.twitter.com/UjCS8CEkBp
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) October 10, 2024
Deeply saddened by the loss of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He wasn’t just a business leader, but a true inspiration for millions. His dedication, integrity, and impact on India’s growth are unmatched. We’ve lost a giant, but his legacy will endure forever. Rest in peace.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 9, 2024
A huge loss to our nation on losing the legend, Shri #RatanTata . Heartfelt condolences to all his admirers across the globe. Om Shanti 🙏🏼💐 pic.twitter.com/iHwQlkmDvs
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) October 9, 2024
“If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.” – #RatanTata
A visionary leader, and most respected and revered human of our times in India. May your legacy and teachings flourish and grow from strength to strength. RIP Sir 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ct8ayM4Q0A
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 9, 2024
India’s “Ratan”. 🇮🇳
An icon who embodied the spirit of our nation!Rest in peace, sir! 🙏💐#RatanTata pic.twitter.com/NqcCKCXG9k
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 9, 2024
Mahasrasthra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the last rites of Ratan Tata will be performed with full state honours.