India Hails Axiom-4 Launch: Yuvraj Singh Celebrates 'Historic Moment' for Nation's Space Return

The successful launch of the Axiom-4 mission has sparked national pride in India, with former cricketer Yuvraj Singh expressing the collective sentiment in a moving tribute.

Yuvraj Singh and Shubhanshu Shukla (Agency Photos)

"As Group Captain Shukla soared into space, he carried not only the hopes of our nation, but the strength of every Indian who dares to dream big. This is a moment we will remember for generations," Singh stated.

The Axiom-4 mission signifies India's significant return to human spaceflight after 41 years, following Rakesh Sharma's historic voyage.

Blasting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket transported Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu 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.

"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!" he shared on X.

The astronauts are scheduled to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station, undertaking over 60 scientific experiments.

From his spacecraft, named Grace, Shukla addressed the nation with emotion: “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 unified spirit of the nation. He voiced his hope that his mission would ignite curiosity and encourage a new generation of Indians to explore space.

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

With his words resonating throughout the country, Shukla’s mission has already begun to redefine India's position in space exploration.