Political leaders support Bharat Ratna demand for Sachin Tendulkar

Published>Wed, Mar 03 10 06:45 PM

New Delhi, March 3 (ANI): Exhibiting a rare unity, members of parliament cutting across party lines on Wednesday advocated the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, for cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

After witnessing Tendulkar score 200 runs, the first ever double ton in One Day International (ODI) cricket against South Africa on February 24 in Gwalior, Maharashtra chief Minister Ashok Chavan had said that the State government would recommend his name to the Central government for the Bharat Ratna award.

The support to honour Sachin with the Bharat Ratna has gained momentum in the country's political circles with members expressing their open support for his name's recommendation.

"No, this is not a political issue, parties cannot decide on this, but being a patriot and a cricket fan, I also want that Tendulkar should get Bharat Ratna. But this should be made a matter of discussion," Venkaiah Naidu, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader told reporters outside parliament in national capital.

Rahul Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Auto Limited and a parliamentarian said Tendulkar's contribution to the sport made him deserving of the highest honours.

"What he (Tendulkar) has done in the past 20 years, and particularly the double century in one-day cricket, which no other batsman has scored in the world, whole country is proud and happy for him, we all are happy. If he gets Bharat Ratna, I don't think anyone would have issues, one would be happy," Bajaj told reporters in New Delhi.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal also said the legendry cricketer could qualify for any honour.

"I don't think there's any cricketer like Sachin (Tendulkar) in the world, therefore he can get any award," he said in national capital New Delhi.

Tendulkar, who opens in one-day matches, smashed 200 not-out off 147 balls to help India post 401-3 in the allotted 50 overs.

The maiden double century guided India to a 153-run win and a series victory over South Africa.

The 36-year-old batsman holds the record for most runs in Tests (13,447) and ODIs (17,598) and most centuries in Tests (47). (ANI)

Source: Web Search

Pakistani cricketers pay tribute to victims of Lahore attack

Published>Wed, Mar 03 10 06:35 PM

Lahore, March 3 (IANS) Pakistan's cricket community Wednesday paid tribute to the victims of last year's terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team here.

On the first anniversary of the deadly incident Tuesday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced it would bear the expenses for the education of the children of the policemen who lost their lives while saving the Sri Lankan cricketers.

'We pause to remember the victims, to grieve with the families and friends of those who died, and to honour the heroes of that day who sacrificed their lives to save others. Even though a year has passed, it has not erased the shock, horror and pain that we all felt on that day, ' Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, said in a statement.

'We all remember where we were when we heard the news, and the disbelief that we felt at first, and then the sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. PCB will stand shoulder to shoulder with the families of victims to help them recover from the devastating loss that they have suffered.'

A memorial ceremony was held at the site of the attack where a wreath was laid by PCB in honour of the victims.

Seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach were injured and eight Pakistanis, mostly policemen, were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire and hurled grenades at the Sri Lankan team's bus on the way to Gadaffi Stadium here March 3, 2009.

The attack came as a huge blow for Pakistan cricket with foreign teams refusing to tour the country. Pakistan has not hosted any international cricket since that attack and chances are dim that it will be staging any events in the near future.

Earlier in the morning, the law minister of Punjab province, Rana Sanaullah, laid wreaths at the scene of the attack at Liberty Square.

'We are here to remember the sacrifices given by our brave policemen. The whole nation is proud of them,' said Sanaullah.

'Terrorists want to destroy peace in Pakistan.'

Source: Web Search