New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday joined the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar for a glorious career, which ended with his 200th Test in Mumbai on Saturday, and also for being conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award.
The Prime Minister personally called the batting icon and wished him well for the future.
Later, the PM’s Office said in a statement that he hoped Tendulkar would continue to contribute in the field of sport and serve the nation in future also.
The 40-year-old Tendulkar walked into sunset after the Mumbai Test against the West Indies, which ended in less than three days today.
Hours after his retirement, the government announced that Tendulkar, along with eminent scientist C N R Rao, would be conferred with the Bharat Ratna.
“The Prime Minister has congratulated Prof C.N.R. Rao and Sachin Tendulkar on their being conferred the Bharat Ratna. He hoped Tendulkar would continue his association with the world of sport and the people and renew his service to the nation,” the PMO said in a statement.
“Dr. Manmohan Singh telephoned Prof Rao and wished him many more years of continued service to nation and the world of science,” the statement added.
But there was a minor glitch before the pleasantries were exchanged between the PM and Tendulkar.
Apparently, Tendulkar’s phone was so busy due to an outpouring of wishes that he was unaware that Singh had been trying to call him.
Singh then got in touch with BCCI vice-President Rajeev Shukla, who is also a Congress MP, to get through to Tendulkar. Shukla told Tendulkar to be available for the call from the top office.
“The Prime Minister wanted to talk to Tendulkar on his retirement and wish him well for the future,” Shukla said.
Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi has congratulated Sachin Tendulkar for getting the Bharat Ratna. Smt. Gandhi described the legendary batsman as one of the greatest youth icon and a definite role model for sportspersons.
Smt. Gandhi also congratulated Prof. CNR Rao, the outstanding and world renowned scientist, on his getting the Bharat Ratna.
Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley said, “Heartfelt congratulations to Sachin Tendulkar for being the first sports person to be conferred the Bharat Ratna the highest civilian honour in the country.
“Sachin Tendulkar is the iconic sports legend that generations of Indians would be proud of and be inspired. His retirement marks the end of a glorious era which has made immense contributions to the game of cricket. I wish him luck for all his future endeavours,” the former BCCI vice-president said. (PTI)