It’s 15th August and India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day. On the occasion of Independence Day, sports stars of the country took to social media sites and wished compatriots on this special day. Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Saina Nehwal and 18-year-old Hima Das, who become the first Indian woman to win gold at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships, were some of the prominent sports celebrities who posted special messages.

“Just like our independence. Among countless other things, there would have been no 'Team India' if not for the sacrifice of our brave freedom fighters. Let us not take that freedom for granted. #HappyIndependenceDay,” read Tendulkar's post.  Independence Day 2018 Special: Here's a Look at Some of India’s Achievements in Cricket in Last 72 Years.

“Independence also stands for the country developing in all fields and spheres. It is time that each athlete pledges to give our best and raise the standards of sports in our country. The independent India tricolour should always fly high #Happy72ndIndependenceDay,” Hima Das tweeted.

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri also posted a special message, “to belong to flag and a people that are free is a privilege we mustn't forget and mustn't lose. Happy Independence Day,” he wrote.

Both Sehwag and Wrestler Sakshi Malik shared a poem in Hindi on his Twitter handle. Badminton star Saina posted her picture with the Indian flag. “I bow down to all those who laid down their lives so that we can celebrate this day,” wrote former cricket VVS Laxman.Independence Day Special: 8 Indians Who Made India Proud Globally.

Indian athletes will be seen in action in the upcoming Asian Games 2018 which are scheduled to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, from August 18 to September 02. Around 572 Indian athletes (312 men and 260 women) will take part in the multi-sport event. In cricket, India will face England in the third Test at Trent Bridge.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2018 11:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).