New Delhi: The Government has decided to confer the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, on eminent scientist Prof C.N.R.Rao and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The Prime Minister’s office made the announcement on Saturday afternoon.
Tendulkar is a living legend who has inspired millions across the globe. During the last 24 years, since the young age of 16 years, Tendulkar has played cricket across the world and won laurels for our country. He has been a true ambassador of India in the world of sports.
His achievements in cricket are unparalleled, the records set by him unmatched, and the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by him exemplary. That he has been honored with several awards is testimony to his extraordinary brilliance as a sportsman,” the PMO statement read.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla had, earlier this week, said that there was a demand to give Sachin the honour. This demand is there for last 2-3 years. But it cannot be done when someone is playing, there may be some controversy. Now that he is retiring, we will try that he gets it. Hopefully, the committee (that decides) and the government will consider,” Shukla said.
Tendulkar bows out as the most successful batsman in international cricket with 15,921 runs in 200 Tests. In his ODI career, which he needed last year, Tendulkar amassed 18,426 runs in 463 matches. The award is a perfect send off gift to Tendulkar whose career spanned 24 years making him an inspiration for an entire generation of cricketer.
Tendulkar, who became the first active sportsperson to become a Rajya Sabha member last year, is being given the honour along with Professor C N R Rao, the man behind India`s maiden Mars mission.
Bureau Report
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