Air Force Day: IAF lethal and formidable force, says Rajnath Singh
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan on Sunday extended their wishes to air warriors and their families on the Air Force Day, with Singh saying that the IAF today is a "lethal and formidable force, projecting its air power beyond boundaries".
Gen Chauhan in his message said this momentous occasion marks "nearly a century of unwavering dedication and unparalleled service" of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to the nation.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was conferred with an honorary Group Captain rank in 2010, also greeted the IAF personnel on the occasion.
Tendulkar posted a video message on X, donning the Air Force blues.
"On the occasion of the 91st anniversary of the Indian Air Force, I extend my congratulations to all personnel and families of the IAF. I thank the Indian Air Force for giving me an opportunity to don the blues," he said in the video.
Tendulkar, a former captain of Team India, said he wears the uniform with great pride and honour and cherish being a part of the IAF.
"I felt the same way, each time I wore the blues, when I played for India. I thank each one of you, on behalf of a grateful nation for your service. I wish all of you a happy Air Force Day. Happy landings. Jai Hind!" Tendulkar said in his short video message.
The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932. In view of its professional efficiency and achievements during World War II, the force was bestowed with the prefix "Royal" in March 1945. So, it became the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).
In 1950, the IAF dropped its "Royal" prefix and amended the ensign as India became a Republic.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari on Sunday unveiled a new ensign of the IAF, replacing the existing one that was adopted more than seven decades back.
The IAF Chief released the new ensign at the 91st IAF Day celebrations in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj.
Defence Minister Singh extended greetings with a post on X.
"Greetings and warm wishes to all Indian Air Force personnel and their families on the occasion of the #91stAnniversary of this amazing force. We are proud of our #Airwarriors who play significant role in keeping India safe. The #IAF today is lethal and formidable force, projecting its air power beyond boundaries. #AFDay2023 @IAF_MCC," he wrote.
CDS Gen Chauhan said this momentous occasion marks "nearly a century of unwavering dedication and unparalleled service of the IAF to the nation".
"As we celebrate this milestone, we also pay homage to the bravehearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Their courage, valour and dedication continue to inspire generations of Indians," he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the defence ministry.
"The IAF has played an important role in all wars fought by the country, undertaken punitive air strikes, extricated the Indian diaspora from conflict zones and provided relief through Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions within and beyond the borders," the statement said.
The IAF has a rich history of regular and successful engagements in international air exercises with friendly countries. It has adequately demonstrated interoperability with global air forces, thereby credibly establishing its capability to operate effectively in our immediate neighbourhood and also in our extended environment, it said.
The IAF is poised to embrace the challenges of the 21st century, with a commitment to modernisation, innovation, and international cooperation. May the IAF reach new heights of glory always, he said.
A momentous day in the annals of #IAFHistory.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 8, 2023
On the sidelines of the Annual Air Force Day Parade conducted today morning, the CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari unveiled the new #IAF ensign.
Read more at https://t.co/dUMkfkl0qV#AirForceDay2023#91stAnniversary… pic.twitter.com/UBVAJlBpgR
VIDEO | “I extend my congratulations to all personnel and families of the IAF. I thank the Indian Air Force for giving me the opportunity to donn the blues. I wear the uniform with great pride and honour and I cherish being a part of the IAF. I felt the same way each time I wore… pic.twitter.com/nCyq3sI236
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 8, 2023
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
