The Indian sports fraternity is reeling with shock and grief following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
Air India confirmed that the flight was en route to London Gatwick and was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. The airline has set up a dedicated helpline — 1800 5691 444 — to provide updates and assistance to the families of those onboard.
The devastating news has drawn heartfelt reactions from leading Indian athletes and sports figures, who took to social media to express their condolences and solidarity with the victims’ families.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Utterly shocked and anguished by the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest prayers for the victims and their families. Words fall short in such times, but I hope strength and support find those enduring this unimaginable pain.”
I am utterly shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families who are enduring unimaginable pain and loss. In moments like these, words feel so inadequate, but I hope_
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 12, 2025
Two-time Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu shared:
“Deeply saddened by the crash of Air India flight AI171. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of all 242 souls on board. May strength and love surround every grieving heart.”
Deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air_India flight AI_171 from Ahmedabad to London today, June_12,_2025. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of all 242 souls on board. __
May love surround every grieving heart and strength find those left behind.
— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) June 12, 2025
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla also extended his sympathies, stating:
“Heartbroken to hear about the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. Thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their loved ones. In such moments, our hearts must unite in compassion.”
Deeply shocked & heartbroken to learn about the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the passengers, crew & their families as they face this unimaginable tragedy. In times like these, our hearts must come together in compassion for all who are suffering.
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) June 12, 2025
Olympic medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia said:
“This is a deeply saddening tragedy. May God grant peace to the departed souls.”
________ __ ____ __ ___ ___ ______ __ ______ __ _____ ____ __ _____ __ _____ __ ___ _____ _________ ___ __ ________ __ ___ ____ _____ 242 ___ ____ ___ _____ ___ __ _____ __ ___ __ __ __ ____ ____ __ ___ ___ ____ _____ ____ __ _____ ____ ___, _____ _____ ____ _____ ____ __ __ _____
— Bajrang Punia __ (@BajrangPunia) June 12, 2025
Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan reacted,
“Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight crash. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone onboard.”
Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. _#PlaneCrash #Ahmedabad
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) June 12, 2025
His brother, ex-India pacer Irfan Pathan, added:
“Heartbreaking news from Ahmedabad. My prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their families.”
Deeply saddened by the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad today. Prayers for the passengers, crew, and their families.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 12, 2025
Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan stated:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Gujarat. My heart goes out to all the families affected.”
Thoughts with every soul impacted by the crash near Meghani. Wishing strength and prayers to their loved ones. _
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 12, 2025
India pacer Mohammed Shami poignantly said:
“Pray for all the families.”
Pray for all the families_ pic.twitter.com/KirCvmFn3D
— ________ _____ (@MdShami11) June 12, 2025