New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has strongly condemned the brutal terrorist attack that struck Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, claiming the lives of 26 civilians, most of them tourists, and injuring several others.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Indian football community, calling the incident a “senseless act of violence” that has devastated families and communities.
“On behalf of the entire Indian football fraternity, we express our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of lives in the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This senseless act of violence has taken away innocent lives and left families and communities shattered. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this heartbreaking time,” Chaubey said in a statement released by the AIFF.
He further emphasized the unifying power of sport, saying:
“Football has always been a force that unites, inspires, and heals. In these trying times, we hope that the spirit of togetherness and resilience will prevail over hatred and violence.”
Football Fraternity Pays Respects
In a solemn gesture of respect and solidarity, a minute’s silence was observed before the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 match between Bengaluru FC and Inter Kashi at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Both teams also wore black armbands to honor the memory of the victims.
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri also voiced his sorrow. Sharing his thoughts via Instagram, the striker wrote:
“Saddened at the news coming out of Pahalgam. Words fall short. My thoughts are with the families of all those affected by what is a cowardly act of terror.”
