Five-time world champion and Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand was among the first sports icons to pay tributes to the late industrialist, saying that he "touched all our lives"
Tata Football Academy started back in 1987 under Russi Mody, the then chairman of Tata Steel, who had the backing of Ratan Tata for the project
"Your vision and endless contribution to our nation will never be forgotten. Your legacy will forever live with us till eternity. Hockey India pays tribute to one of Modern India's Pioneers - Ratan Naval Tata," it added
"In his life, and demise, Mr Ratan Tata has moved the nation. I was fortunate to spend time with him, but millions, who have never met him, feel the same grief that I feel today. Such is his impact", Sachin Tendulkar wrote
"I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of Shri Ratan Tata ji. He was a visionary, and I'll never forget the conversation I had with him. He inspired this entire nation. I pray that his loved ones find strength. Om Shanti," posted India's track-and-field Olympic gold-winner", Neeraj Chopra
"Ratan Tata sir aapki legacy hamesha humare saath rahegi. RIP (sic). (A great man and true visionary. Tata sir your legacy will always remain with us," Saina Nehwal said
"An institution who embodied Excellence, Vision and Humility. A Philanthropist par excellence. A massive loss to society. Condolences to the entire Tata family. God bless his soul #RatanTata," wrote former India player and coach Ravi Shastri
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