New Delhi: Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar paid heartfelt tribute on Friday to former South Africa president Nelson Mandela, saying the anti-apartheid icon was a “truly inspirational human being”.
“When I met Mr Mandela it was one of the most memorable days of my life. A truly inspirational human being….” wrote Tendulkar on his twitter account.
“He will live on in my heart forever. R.I.P,” he further wrote.
Madiba, as Mandela was fondly known, had been battling health issues in recent months, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous instances of hospitalisation.
Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid before becoming the country’s first black leader, had faced several health scares.
Mandela is respected worldwide for his role in fighting racism in South Africa, and for forgiving his former white captors after his release from prison.
Other sportspersons worldwide have also mourned Mandela’s death.
Heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali said Mandela “taught us forgiveness on a grand scale”.
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter called Mandela “one of the greatest humanists of our time” and Tiger Woods said he had been inspired by South Africa’s anti-apartheid hero.
Australia and England held a minute’s silence before play in the second Ashes cricket Test in Adelaide, a scene replicated by New Zealand and West Indies in Dunedine.
South African golf great Gary Player called Mandela “our beloved Father of the South African nation”.
New Zealand’s rugby players have always acknowledged the impact of Mandela, who inspired South Africa to victory over the All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup final.
SA-India series to go on
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that the South Africa-India ODI series will continue as scheduled and dedicated the three-match rubber to Mandela.
Removing doubts around the series, following death of Mandela, CSA said the series against India will proceed as scheduled.
“We have just received the official confirmation from the government that Sunday’s game at Durban is on as well as the third ODI in Centurion on December 11,” Michael Owen-Smith of the CSA said.
There is speculation that a two-day practice game, starting December 14 in Benoni may be rescheduled or cancelled due to Mandela’s funeral on December 15. (PTI)
