Time to honour Tendulkar with Bharat Ratna: Malhotra

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Dec 20 : Indian Olympic Association vice-president V K Malhotra on Monday congratulated Sachin Tendulkar for scoring his 50th Test ton and said it is high time the champion batsman is bestowed with the ‘Bharat Ratna’.

Tendulkar scripted history when he became the first batsman to notch up 50 Test centuries in the first cricket Test against South Africa in Centurion.

 

 

“It is a great achievement not only for Sachin but for the entire nation. We are really proud of him. I hope he continues to achieve many more such feats,” Malhotra said.

“He is one of the sporting icons of our country and I feel it is time the country should honour him with the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India,” he said.

“I hope he continues to play many more years for the country and manages to win the World Cup, the only trophy which has eluded him so far,” added Malhotra, who is also the president of the Archery Association of India.

 

 

Centurion: Trotting down the pitch, his fist punched the thin Highveld air, before both hands went up in unison. They stayed aloft even after his feet stopped running, as his head tilted towards the mighty, cloud-laden skies. A few private words were spoken, before he thumped his heart with his helmet and embraced his skipper.

 

A moment later, Sachin Tendulkar, producer of 50 Test centuries, met the crowds with his sparkling eyes, waving his willow around the Supersport Park in Centurion. Acknowledging the unconditional support he received from all corners of the ground, Tendulkar momentarily brought time to a standstill.

 

The South Africans cheered him, both the Whites and the Blacks, as did the Indians, their faces painted in saffron, white and green. For a moment, it could have been any stadium back home.

In the context of the match, Tendulkar’s century couldn’t have come at a better time. With the team having struggled right through the opening Test in South Africa, Tendulkar ensured that India live to see the final day, grinding it out against some furious pace bowling and venomous turn.

‘South Africa honoured to host Tendulkar’s 50th ton’

Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola congratulated Sachin Tendulkar on his 50th century in Test cricket, saying it was an ‘honour’ for the country to host the record.

“South Africa is honoured that you achieved this remarkable landmark on our soil and CSA looks forward to honour you personally at the match on 9 January to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa. May you continue to go from strength to strength!”, Majola said.

“On behalf of Cricket South Africa, I would like to congratulate you on the unprecedented achievement of becoming the first player to record 50 Test centuries,” Majola said in a statement.

“In our view, this could not have happened to a better person or a better batsman. You are truly a great ambassador for cricket where ever you play the game. Your skill and determination are matched only by your humility.

Tendulkar, yesterday, became the first man to complete 50 centuries in Test cricket during the first Test between the South Africa and India at SuperSport Park. The veteran, who has been playing Test cricket for over two decades now, has scored 11 centuries more than any other player in the history of Test cricket.