The
Government of India on Saturday decided to award the Bharat Ratna to Sachin
Tendulkar, who incidentally retired the same day in the morning after playing
his 200th Test in Mumbai.
Tendulkar and eminent scientist Professor CNR Rao were the two
names announced by the government for the highest civilian award.
“The Government
has decided to confer, the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award on eminent
scientist Prof C.N.R.Rao
and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar,” the official government press release said.
“Shri Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly an outstanding cricketer –
a living legend who has inspired millions across the globe. During the last 24
years, since the young age of 16 years, Shri Tendulkar has played cricket
across the world and won laurels for our country,” it added.
“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 honoured with several awards is testimony to
his extraordinary brilliance as a sportsman,” the release concluded
Reacting to the
news, Tendulkar, who is the first sportsperson and the youngest to get the Bharat
Ratna, told CNN-IBN that he dedicates this award to his
mother. “I am thankful for this honour. I dedicate it to my mother. India
is my motherland,” he said.
Bharat Ratna is
the highest civilian honour given
for exceptional service towards advancement of art, literature and science, and
in recognition of public service of the highest order. The provision of Bharat
Ratna was introduced in 1954. The first ever Indian to receive this award was
the famous scientist, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.