Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar released a book published on his century of centuries by The Hindu Group of Publications. The function was held at the Mumbai Indians team hotel here on Tuesday.
The book, titled Sachin — Tribute To A Legend , was conceptualised after Tendulkar scored his 100th International century in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh in Mirpur on March 16.
Tendulkar, flanked by Mumbai Indians coach Robin Singh and captain Harbhajan Singh, expressed his gratitude to The Hindu after releasing the book on his 39th birthday.
“It gives me immense pleasure to launch this book. All the efforts taken by The Hindu mean a lot to me. Over the years, I have made a lot of friends and they are all dear ones. Our friendship has grown in a similar manner as The Hindu has grown. I cherish each and every moment I have shared with them,” said Tendulkar.
“Reading various articles and opinions (in The Hindu ) has played an important role in my career. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for putting this book together in a matter of a few weeks. It's a mammoth effort and thank you very much,” he added.
The CEO of The Hindu group, Arun Anant, in a letter explained the concept behind publishing the book. “We thought this would be a fine gesture to have the book released by you on your birthday, April 24.
“We feel that this book will be a fitting tribute to your unparalleled contribution to the game, making India and the international cricket community proud,” said Mr. Anant.
Welcoming Tendulkar on the occasion, vice president (Circulation), P.S. Venkat said, “In five weeks flat we put the project into work and today we are here. It is a pleasure having you here.”
The book is a rich collection of extracts from published reports of all the matches in which Tendulkar scored his International centuries.
Besides, it has some rare pictures of the batting maestro and a range of interesting statistics.
The book also features five of the finest interviews with Tendulkar, published in The Hindu and The Sportstar .
“The narrative of the 100 hundreds concerns itself primarily with Tendulkar, the batsman.
“It isn't independent of Tendulkar, the man, for art can't be separated from the artist,” writes Nirmal Shekar, Sports Editor, The Hindu , in his foreword to the book.
