India Cheers Axiom-4 Launch: Yuvraj Singh Lauds Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic Space Voyage

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has been met with widespread celebration in India. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh voiced the nation's excitement following the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla into space.

Singh stated, "As Group Captain Shukla lifted off into space, he carried with him not just the hopes of a nation, but the strength of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment we’ll remember for generations.”

This mission signifies India's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year gap since Rakesh Sharma's pioneering voyage.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday, carrying Shukla along with astronauts from Hungary, Poland, and the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his congratulations, emphasizing that Shukla embodies the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Modi posted on X, “We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland and the US. The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and other astronauts all the success!”

The crew will spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, where they will conduct over 60 scientific experiments.

From the spacecraft "Grace", Shukla addressed the nation, saying, “Namaskar, my dear countrymen. We have reached space after 41 years. It was a great ride.”

Orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second, Shukla proudly displayed the Indian tricolor on his suit, representing the nation's collective spirit. He expressed his hope that the mission will ignite curiosity and inspire future generations of Indian space explorers.

“This isn’t just my journey -- it’s India’s journey into the future of human spaceflight,” Shukla affirmed.

His words resonated across the nation, marking the start of a new chapter for India in space exploration.