New Delhi: India's leading sportspersons, including  cricket captain Virat Kohli, legendary Sachin Tendulkar, former football captain Bhaichung Bhutia paid their respects to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their life during a clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh on Monday night.

"Salute and deepest respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country in the Galwan Valley. NO one is more selfless and brave than a soldier. Sincere condolences to the families. I hope they find peace through our prayers at this difficult time," Virat Kohli tweeted.

Salute and deepest respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country in the Galwan Valley. NO one is more selfless and brave than a soldier. Sincere condolences to the families. I hope they find peace through our prayers at this difficult time. 🙏

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 17, 2020

Offering his condolences, Tendulkar tweeted, "Our martyrs will continue to live through the lives that they have inspired with the heroic acts to protect our motherland. A nation mourns its brave jawans and stands by their selfless parents and families. Deepest condolences and may you all rest in peace!"

Our martyrs will continue to live through the lives that they have inspired with the heroic acts to protect our motherland. A nation mourns its brave jawans and stands by their selfless parents and families.
Deepest condolences and may you all rest in peace. 🙏🏼

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 17, 2020

Bhutia meanwhile termed the attack by China a 'planned one'. "China had asked all its citizens to leave India few weeks back. The killing of our soldiers in LAC was a I think a planned one. We completely condemn this cowardly act of China. Indian Govt should take strong necessary action and not bow down to Chinese aggression," Bhutia wrote on Tweeter.

China had asked all its citizens to leave India few weeks back. The killing of our soldiers in LAC was a I think a planned one. We completely condemn this cowardly act of China. Indian Govt should take strong necessary action and not bow down to Chinese aggression pic.twitter.com/PToDa61mLv

— Bhaichung Bhutia (@bhaichung15) June 17, 2020

I salute the courage of our Indian soldiers who have been martyred at #GalwanValley

All these atrocities must stop and hope we can have a peaceful world where human life is valued.

My thoughts are with the bereaved families, I pray for their strength 🙏🏻

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 16, 2020

Salute to our REAL HEROES who laid their lives protecting and honouring our border. May god give their families utmost strength #GalwanValley

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) June 17, 2020

I salute the Indian army 🇮🇳💪..I salute the Indian soldiers who were martyred at #GalwanValley ..My heart goes out to the families of these brave soldiers..🙏 #JaiHind @IndINDIANARMY pic.twitter.com/L31a3YGlcS

— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) June 16, 2020

A sacrifice that will never be forgotten by the nation. Heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the Indian Army officer and the two soldiers. Saluting your bravery, Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 #GalwanValley pic.twitter.com/Kk2Wt0WdSs

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 16, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to Col. Santosh Babu who made the Supreme Sacrifice in action at the#GalwanValley . At a time, when the world is dealing with a serious pandemic, this is the last thing we need. I hope Cheeni sudhar jaayein. pic.twitter.com/PlvE9WStEY

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 16, 2020

we salute YOU 🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/JNzG4Cleq0

— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) June 17, 2020

It must be mentioned that 20 of India's army personnel lost their lives during a violent confrontation with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night. This is the biggest clash between the militaries of the both the nations in more than 50 years and it has been reported than around 43 Chinese soldiers too have lost their lives in the clash.