legendary batsman conferred with country’s highest civilian award by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan
Just about three months after his retirement, India’s prized possession Sachin Tendulkar was on Tuesday conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
Iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday said that he will “continue to bat for India” in all spheres of life in his endeavour to bring smile on the faces of the common people.
“I will continue to bat for India even though my cricket has stopped, but I will continue to bat for India and try my best to give people of India a reason to smile,” Tendulkar told reporters after being conferred Bharat Ratna by the President here.
“It’s the biggest honour for me and I am extremely delighted on receiving Bharat Ratna,” he said.
“I am extremely proud to be born in this beautiful nation and I would like to express my gratitude to all the love, affection and support I have received for number of years.”
Tendulkar, 40, and eminent scientist Prof C N R Rao were presented the honours at a brief function at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Durbar Hall attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Union ministers, Sachin’s wife Anjali, daughter Sara and a host of dignitaries. Master batsman Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket on November 16 last year, is the first sportsman to be bestowed with the honour.
“I would like to reiterate what I said a couple of months ago that this recognition, award I would like to dedicate this to my mother and along with her all the mothers in India who sacrifice their wishes, aspirations for their children so that their dreams come true,” Tendulkar said.
He also congratulated Prof Rao for motivating youngsters to become scientists.
“I would like to congratulate Prof C N R Rao for the Bharat Ratna. He has been instrumental in motivating and inspiring youth of India to become scientists. I wish him all the happiness and good health.”
‘Most deserving’
BCCI vice president and Union Minister Rajeev Shukla said Sachin is the “most deserving person” to win the Bharat Ratna award and thanked the UPA government for honouring the legend. “I was extremely delighted to witness the most deserving person being bestowed with the Bharat Ratna award today,” Shukla said.
“Despite his iconic stature, Sachin Tendulkar is simply one of the most humble people you would ever come across. His phenomenal records, longevity and the unparallelled dedication he had towards his craft clearly establishes the fact that his coveted records cannot be broken for another 100 years. Sincere thanks to the UPA government for understanding the sentiments of the nation and duly conferring Sachin Tendulkar with the highest civilian award,” he said.
Meanwhile, another Union Minister and Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association President Farooq Abdullah said that conferring Bharat Ratna to Tendulkar was a big day for cricket as he made India shine in the game.
“It (awarding Sachin with Bharat Ratna by President today) is big day for cricket. Today big people including one top scientist and another Sachin Tendulkar are getting Bharat Ratna,” Abdullah told reporters here.
“It is a big thing for Indian cricket, because he made India shine in the world of cricket,” he added.