Sports fraternity welcomes Bharat Ratna for Tendulkar

Milkha Singh

The sporting fraternity on Saturday bowed in admiration as Sachin Tendulkar walked into the sunset after a glorious 24-year international career, and welcomed the government’s decision to confer him with the Bharat Ratna.

Sunil Gavaskar, former India cricket captain: “We as a country take short-cuts in almost every field. Hopefully, Tendulkar had shown them (the youngsters) how one can excel without taking short cuts. He showed the youngsters how the minutest details need to be taken care of to achieve excellence.”

V.V.S. Laxman, former teammate: “He (Tendulkar) is a master in taking care of the minutest details (in his cricket). So, give him any assignment whether making him ambassador to some country or representing the country in the United Nations, he will make sure that he is a master in those assignments also.”

‘Flying Sikh’Milkha Singh: “He deserved it. Finally, a sportsperson will get this award. With this, it will pave the way for other sportspersons who can now hope to get the highest recognition for their efforts and bringing glory to their country.

The government should start giving due recognition to its sporting heroes so that the coming generation feels inspired.”

Balbir Singh Sr., former Indian hockey player: “I congratulate Sachin. The Bharat Ratna is well deserved and a timely recognition. He is an inspiration to coming generations.”

Ashok Kumar, former India hockey player: “I am very happy that at last a sportsperson is being conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

Sachin truly deserves the honour.”

Dhanraj Pillay, former India hockey captain: “A big congratulation to Sachin. Thank you very much government of India for recognising sportspersons for Bharat Ratna.”

Bhaichung Bhutia, former Indian football captain: “It’s great that a sportsperson has been conferred with the Bharat Ratna. For a sportsperson to ply his trade for 24 long years at a consistently high standard, he deserves the honour.”

Sushil Kumar, two-time Olympic wrestling medallist: “I am very happy for him and would like to congratulate Sachin on Bharat Ratna. He has done so much for cricket. The government has conferred the honour at the right time when he is bowing out on a high. I am happy with the decision and it will open the doors for other sportspersons also. Sachin inspired a whole generation of sportspersons. I wish him a happy retired life.”