Cricket is priority, not Bharat Ratna, says Sachin

Published>Tue, Mar 02 10 06:46 PM

Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) Sachin Tendulkar Tuesday said it would be 'great' to be awarded India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna, but insisted his priority remains his cricket career.

Talking to mediapersons for the first time after his record-breaking feat last week in Indore, Tendulkar said the Bharat Ratna is indeed a rare honour but he is not in a hurry to receive it.

'Who would not like to be on that list of heroes? It is everyone's dream. For me, the focus is only cricket. When it (Bharat Ratna) has to happen, it will happen,' Tendulkar said.

Maharashtra chief minister said after Tendulkar's 200 runs in the Indore ODI that the state government would recommend his name to the centre for the Bharat Ratna.

The 36-year-old Indian batting maestro also claimed to be a fan of the Indian hockey team and wished them luck in the ongoing Hockey World Cup in New Delhi.

'I wish them the very best in their endeavour and shall be with them if they perform well or even if they do not meet our expectations,' Tendulkar said on the sidelines of a function to celebrate the 'Joy Of Giving Week', an NGO of which he is the brand ambassador.

On comparisons with legendary Australian cricketer Sri Don Bradman, Tendulkar said: 'I have never believed in comparisons and I respect all individuals, not just Sir Don. I feel happy playing for my country and feel particularly pleased when I do well and the team is victorious.'

He also attended a half-day cricket camp with 14 executives from Whirlpool and seven children from various NGOs.

'It feels great to be a part of a movement like this. Many of us give money, but giving time is more difficult. That's why I gave a day of my time and skills.'

Tendulkar's auction at the coaching camp netted Rs.12 lakh for the NGO Apnalaya, becoming the highest bid ever on eBaY India.

Last year, Tendulkar kicked off a campaign June 3 with a personal commitment to sponsor the education of 200 underprivileged children every year.

The Joy Of Giving Week was initiated by Give India, headed by former ICICI chairman N. N. Vaghul, and put together by over 200 NGOs, corporates, colleges and schools across 40 cities/towns around the country.

Last year, it raised over Rs.100 million, which would go to various social causes all over India and the next Joy Of Giving Week shall be held between Sep 26-Oct 2.

Source: Web Search