India’s sports fraternity on Thursday joined the nation in mourning the demise of two-time former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, paying homage to his “calm leadership and wisdom” in stirring condolence messages.
Singh, 92, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here after losing consciousness at his home owing to age-related ailments.
“Sad news of the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. A visionary leader and a true statesman who worked tirelessly for India’s progress. His wisdom and humility will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones,” World Cup-winning former cricketer Yuvraj Singh posted on X.
Similar sentiments were expressed by his former teammate and Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha member Harbhajan Singh, who described Singh as a thorough gentleman and visionary leader.
“What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his unwavering belief in India’s potential,” he wrote.
It was during Singh’s second tenure that India hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the national capital.
It was the first international multi-sport extravaganza to be held in the country after the 1982 Asian Games, also hosted by Delhi.
Former wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who is now a Congress MLA in Haryana, called Singh a man of “extraordinary wisdom, simplicity and vision.”
“Dr. Manmohan Singh was not just a Prime Minister, but he was a thinker, economist and a true patriot. His calm leadership style and economic vision gave the country a new direction, from the 1991 economic reforms to establishing India’s reputation on the global stage.
“There was depth in his humility and wisdom in his every word. His services and contributions to the country will always be remembered. You will always live in our hearts, Sir,” she wrote in her emotional tribute on social media.
Former cricketers Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman and ex-women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal were also among those who expressed their sadness at his death.
Before serving as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh was finance minister in the P V Narasimha Rao-led government and was the brain behind the economic reforms of 1991 that marked the beginning of liberalisation in the country.
Widely respected for his intellect and grace in public life, Singh had retired from active politics in April this year after over a three-decade run as a Rajya Saha MP. The Week