'War has been chosen by Pakistan': Sportspersons unite to back Indian Forces

NEW DELHI: As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, former Indian cricketers Virender Sehwag and Shikhar Dhawan voiced strong support for the Indian Armed Forces, asserting that the country will deliver a firm response to recent cross-border hostilities. Taking to his official X handle, Sehwag accused Pakistan of choosing war and condemned its actions to shield terrorist elements.


"War has been chosen by Pakistan when they had an opportunity to keep quiet. They have escalated to save it’s terrorist assets, speaks so much about them. Our forces will reply in the most appropriate manner, a manner Pakistan will never forget," Sehwag posted on May 8, 2025.

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War has been chosen by Pakistan when they had an opportunity to keep quiet.
They have escalated to save it’s terrorist assets, speaks so much about them.
Our forces will reply in the most appropriate manner, a manner Pakistan will never forget.

— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 8, 2025

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan also expressed solidarity with the armed forces, lauding their swift and brave response.

"Respect to our brave hearts for protecting our borders with such strength and stopping the drone attack on Jammu. India stands strong. Jai Hind!" Dhawan wrote on X.

Respect to our brave hearts for protecting our borders with such strength and stopping the drone attack on Jammu. India stands strong. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 8, 2025

The reactions from the cricketers came as defence sources confirmed that Pakistan had launched eight missiles targeting key areas, including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. All incoming missiles were successfully intercepted by India's air defence systems.

In moments like these, we stand united not in fear, but in resolve. I feel immense gratitude to our Indian Army who are the real heroes who carry the weight of a nation with unmatched courage, discipline, and selflessness🙏🏻
Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed. Your bravery is what…

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 8, 2025

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
Let’s remember — this isn’t a call for weakness, but a reminder of wisdom.
Justice must stand firm, but never lose sight of humanity.
We can love our nation fiercely and still hold compassion in our hearts.
Patriotism and peace can…

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 8, 2025

Fearless in unity. Boundless in strength. India’s shield is her people. There’s no room for terrorism in this world. We’re ONE TEAM!

Jai Hind 🇮🇳#OperationSindoor

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 7, 2025

Super proud of our armed forces.
Jai Hind 🙏🏼#OperationSindoor

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 7, 2025

Immense Gratitude for every man and woman serving in our Armed Forces.
May the power be with you.
Jai Hind. Jai Bharat. 🇮🇳 🫡 #OperationSindoor

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 8, 2025

जय भारत 🇮🇳 । जय जवान । हर हर महादेव 🙏

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 8, 2025

To the brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces — your courage, discipline, and sacrifice are the soul of our nation. In moments like OperationSindoor, we’re reminded of the silent strength and selfless service that keep our tricolour flying high. India stands with you. Jai…

— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) May 8, 2025

Indian Air Force 🙏🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Indian Army 🙏🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Indian Navy 🙏🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) May 8, 2025

We are proud of our Brave Indian Armed Forces who are fighting for our nation against Terrorism.
Let’s do our part and make sure to follow guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety during this time.
जय हिन्द जय भारत जय हिन्द की सेना 🇮🇳

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) May 8, 2025

पूरा देश अपनी सेना के साथ है ।
वीर भोग्या वसुन्धरा 🇮🇳 राजा रामचन्द्र की जय 🔥 https://t.co/65yLyDSFR4

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) May 8, 2025

Explosions were reported in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistani drones were intercepted. Similar instances occurred in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where residents reported loud blasts and flashes of light in the sky.


As a safety measure, blackouts were enforced across several regions, including Bikaner (Rajasthan), Jalandhar and Amritsar (Punjab), and Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, and Jammu in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

These developments follow India’s recent launch of Operation Sindoor , a precision military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 28 civilian lives.