BCCI Pays Heartwarming Tribute To Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has paid a fitting tribute to India’s apple-eyed boy Abhinandan Varthaman. The Indian Air Force Wing Commander crossed the Wagah-Attari border and finally reached India on Friday night as the whole country desperately waited to see the brave-heart setting his foot in the country.

Varthaman had fallen in the enemy territory while carrying out operations near the border area.  Before he pilot ejected from his aging MiG-21 hit in the aerial dogfight over the skies of Jammu, he had shot down a fourth generation F-16 fighter.  He was brutally beaten by Pakistani villagers before being taken by soldiers in clips that have since gone viral on social media. Later, a video showed a blindfolded Abhinandan telling his name and service number.  Pakistan later released another video, showing the officer receiving good treatment.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan then gave the entire India a huge reason to celebrate by announcing that the Indian Air Force pilot being held by the Pakistan army would be released.

Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan!

The nation is proud of your exemplary courage.

Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians.

Vande Mataram!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2019

And as the country desperately waited for Abhinandan to arrive in India, the moment arrived at the stroke of 9.14 pm. Holding his head high and a broad smile on his face, Abhinandan made a sombre walk towards the Indian side of the Wagah-Attari border. And as soon as he landed foot on the Indian soil, tributes poured in from all corners for him. The entire country welcomed the hero back and the BCCI also did its bit.

The BCCI, on its official Twitter handle, posted a picture of the jersey with Abhinandan’s name written on it. In fact, the Indian cricket board had pinned the tweet.

“#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come ?? #TeamIndia,” wrote BCCI.

#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come ?? #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/PbG385LUsE

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 1, 2019