Abhinandan Varthaman Awarded With 'Vir Chakra' By President Kovind

Indian Air force pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded "Vir Chakra" by President Ram Nath Kovind in a Coronation ceremony held on November 22 at Rashtrapati Bhawan. He was accorded for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft during aerial combat on February 27, 2019, a day after the Balakot airstrike. Wing Commander Abhinandan has shown conspicuous courage demonstrating gallantry in the face of the enemy, according to sources.