Bharat Ratna awarded to Sachin Tendulkar

Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar

Hours after leaving behind a glorious Test career that spanned over 24 years, the Indian government has finally decided to bestow their favourite son of the soil, Sachin Tendulkar with the Bharat Ratna award.

In a press release released by the Prime Minister’s office, Professor C.N. Rao and Sachin Tendulkar would be the recipient of India’s highest civilian award.

Sachin Tendulkar finally put an end to his illustrious cricketing career with India’s series win against West Indies today in the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In a soul-stirring speech Sachin Tendulkar touched the hearts of his fans and colleagues and left everyone teary eyed.

This award from the Indian government puts the biggest feather in Tendulkar’s cap and mark his devotion and honors his sincere service towards his county.

“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.

Prof. C.N.R. Rao is an eminent scientist and a well recognized international authority on solid state and materials chemistry. He has published over 1,400 research papers and 45 books. Prof. Rao’s contributions have been recognized by most major scientific academies around the world through conferment of memberships and fellowships. He has been honoured with several national and international awards.

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. 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 statement from the PMO office read.

Before Tendulkar, 41 Indians have been conferred with this honour with legendary singer late Bhimsen Joshi being the last recipient. However, even after retirement, Sachin Tendulkar scores another record by becoming the youngest Indian to receive the award at the age of 40. He also is the first sportsperson to receive the award.

The living recipients include former president APJ Abdul Kalam (1997), singer Lata Mangeshkar (2001) and economist Amartya Sen (1999). The only foreign recipient of the award was Nelson Mandela (1990).

Here’s BCCI with the confirmation