Bharat Ratna for Sachin Tendulkar

The Prime Minister’s office on Saturday confirmed that Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor would be awarded to Sachin Tendulkar for his contribution to the country and world cricket. The 40 year old sporting icon who retired today (Saturday) was chosen for the award hours after his final test against the West Indies at Wankhede in Mumbai. 

 

A brief statement regarding the same issued by the PMO said "Shri Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly an outstanding cricketer - a living legend who has inspired millions across the globe." The statement further added that "During the last 24 years, since the young age of 16 years, Shri Tendulkar has played cricket across the world and won laurels for the 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."

 

Speculations about  the Bharat Ratna for Sachin Tendulkar has been around for years but peaked with India winning the cricket world cup in 2011 in the country after a gap of 28 years. With this announcement Sachin becomes the first sportsperson and the youngest to receive the Bharat Ratna. Originally this honor is meant for excellence in art, literature, science and public services but was amended to recognise "performance of highest order in any field of human endeavour". Sachin an Arjuna awardee has also received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award which is highest honor given for achievement in sports. 

 

The legendary batsman on hearing about being awarded with the highest civilian honor was reported to have said that he dedicated the award to his mother. Tendulkar is the seventh maharastrian to win Bharat Ratna after Dhondo Karve, Pandurang Kane, Vinoba Bhave, BR Ambedkar, Lata Mangeshkar and Bhimsen Joshi. 

 

In 2008 Tendulkar became the second sportsperson after Vishwanathan Anand to receive the Padma Vibhushan which is India’s second highest civilian honor. 

 

Tendulkar leaves the game of cricket as the most successful cricketer with 15,921 runs in 200 tests and 18,426 runs in 463 matches. In an illustrious record filled time line of 24 years the master has scored 100 hundreds the most by a cricketer. The award is seen as perfect gift to India’s most illustrious son. There have been continuous demands for him to be conferred the honour for a long time and the eligibility criteria of the award was revised last year to accommodate sportspersons as well.

 

It must also be noted that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred after a gap of five years with Pandit Bhimsen Joshi being the last awardee in 2008.