New Delhi: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who took oath on Monday as a Rajya Sabha member, vowed to help other sports as well and said he would be liked to remembered as one who contributed to the country and not just cricket statistics.
Speaking after taking oath as a nominated member, Tendulkar told reporters that he might face obstacles but hoped to carry on with help from fellow parliamentarians.
He took the oath in the presence of his wife Anjali and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla in the chamber of Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari.
“In the last 22 years of my international career, cricket has given me so much. I also wanted to give something back to cricket in the latter half of my life,” Tendulkar said.
“Today with the nomination, I am in a better position not only to help cricket but also other sports. It means a lot to me.
“I believe there will be a few obstacles along the way, and I will need (help) from my fellow parliamentarians, the administrators, media and our countrymen. Together we can make a lot of changes,” he added.
Asked if he will find enough time for parliament, Tendulakar made it clear that his first priority would be cricket.
“I did not go to anyone asking to be a Rajya Sabha member. It’s an honour and I accept that with respect.
“But I am here because of my cricket. I can’t take my focus away from cricket because that is where it all started for me.” (IANS)
