Hyderabad: After the demise of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, sports icons on Monday took to social media to offer their condolences on the demise of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
Bryant and his 13-year old daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant were among the nine people killed when a helicopter they were travelling in crashed amid foggy conditions and burst into flames in the hills above Calabasas, local media reported.
"Saddened to hear about the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and others on-board the helicopter. My condolences to his family, friends and fans across the world. #KobeBryant," Tendulkar tweeted.
"A sporting icon! You will be missed legend. May you and Gianna rest in peace," Rahul tweeted.
Apart from cricketers, Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri said it is deeply distressing news to wake up to and Kobe will always be an icon whose legend transcended the sport.
"Deeply distressing news to wake up to. Kobe will always be an icon whose legend transcended the sport. #MambaOut. Thoughts also with the rest who lost their lives in the crash, and their families. Don't ever take life for granted," Chhetri tweeted.
Tennis stars Sania Mirza and Novak Djokovic also took to Twitter and expressed grief over the demise of NBA star.
"What terrible news to wake up to ... life is so unpredictable .. RIP Kobe Bryant and his beautiful daughter .. what a legend you were and will remain .. #KobeBryantRIP," Mirza tweeted.
Taking to Twitter Novak Djokovic wrote, "My heart truly mourns over the news today. Kobe was a great mentor and friend to me. You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryant's and every family suffering from this tragedy. RIP my friend."
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi posted a picture of Bryant in his Los Angeles Lakers jersey on Instagram along and wrote: "I have no words...all my love for Kobe's family and friends. It was a pleasure to meet you and share good times together. You were a genius like few others."
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo also posted a picture of Bryant and said: "So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend."
