Leading the wishes were ICC Chairman Jay Shah and former India captain Virat Kohli, who shared messages highlighting the values that continue to unite the country. The year also marks 150 years of \u2018Vande Mataram\u2019, which played a significant role in India\u2019s freedom movement and continues to hold a special place in the country\u2019s national consciousness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe true strength of a nation lies not only in its victories, but in the values that unite its people. Wishing everyone a proud and Happy Independence Day,\u201d ICC Chairman Jay Shah wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Virat Kohli also shared a post on Instagram that read, \u201cHappy Independence Day. Celebrating the freedom that unites us, the diversity that defines us, and the dreams that drive us forward. May we continue building an India that inspires generations. Jai Hind.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s cricketing legends also joined the celebrations. \u201cHappy Independence Day!,\u201d wrote both former India legend Sachin Tendulkar and Indian T20I captain Shreyas Iyer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra used the occasion to highlight the importance of sport and ensuring every child gets the opportunity to play.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ll never forget standing there and watching the tricolour rise. This Independence Day, my hope is that every child in India has the right and opportunity to play. Because play is joy. Play is freedom. And every child deserves both,\u201d wrote India\u2019s Olympic gold winning legend Abhinav Bindra.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman called for people to honour the sacrifices behind India\u2019s freedom and contribute towards building a stronger nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHappy Independence Day. Let us celebrate the spirit of freedom, honour the sacrifices of those who gave us our independence, and continue to contribute towards building a stronger, more united and progressive India. Jai Hind!\u201d posted VVS Laxman.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former India captain Mithali Raj wrote, \u201cWishing everyone a very Happy 80th Independence Day,\u201d while former India all-rounder Suresh Raina said, \u201cOur identity is enshrined in the colors of the Tricolor. 80 years of freedom, countless sacrifices. Heartfelt wishes on August 15, 2026,\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shikhar Dhawan also looked back at some of the proudest moments of his career in the India jersey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSome of the proudest moments of my life have come wearing the India jersey. Here\u2019s to the country that gave me the dream, the opportunity and the belief to chase it. Happy 80th Independence Day,\u201d former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s sporting organisations and IPL franchises also marked the occasion with messages celebrating the Tricolour and the spirit of the nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFrom the turf to every Indian heart, we play for the pride of our nation. A very Happy 80th Independence Day from all of us at Hockey India!,\u201d Hockey India posted on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cCelebrating the spirit that brings us together. Happy Independence Day,\u201d SunRisers Hyderabad posted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPround. United. Indian. Wishing everyone a very happy #IndependenceDay,\u201d Punjab Kings said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The National Rifle Association of India posted, \u201cFrom setting our sights on bigger dreams to hitting every milestone with purpose. Happy 80th Independence Day, India,\u201d while the Athletics Federation of India said, \u201cFrom the track to the world stage, the Tiranga flies higher every time. Happy Independence Day!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lucknow Super Giants also joined in, writing, \u201cLet the Tricolour wave, let India smile. Heartfelt wishes on Independence Day!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Royal Challengers Bengaluru connected the country\u2019s freedom journey with the dreams of its people, posting, \u201cFrom a dream of freedom to a nation of dreamers. For every dream that was fought for, every dream that was realised, and every dream that still lies ahead. Happy 80th Independence Day, India.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chennai Super Kings wrote, \u201cLet the tricolour fly high! Here\u2019s to the freedom, togetherness and spirit that make India what it is. Happy Independence Day!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, looked towards the future with their message: \u201cEntering the 80th year of writing our own story. Vande Mataram, India!\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Indian men\u2019s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir remembered those whose sacrifices made India\u2019s freedom possible.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTheir sacrifice. Our freedom. Our responsibility: India. Jai Hind,\u201d Indian men\u2019s cricket team\u2019s head coach Gautam Gambhir wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Board of Control for Cricket in India also extended its wishes, saying, \u201cHere's wishing every Indian a very Happy Independence Day. Jai Hind,\u201d while former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan wrote, \u201cWishing everyone a very happy Independence Day.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTheir sacrifice. Our freedom. Our responsibility: India. Jai Hind,\u201d Indian men\u2019s cricket team\u2019s head coach Gautam Gambhir wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The messages from India\u2019s sporting fraternity brought together athletes, cricketers, sporting bodies and IPL franchises, with a shared focus on freedom, sacrifice, unity and the aspirations of a nation entering its 80th year of independence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n