THE MASTER blaster Sachin Tendulkar has come a long way in cricket. He stands in the league of world’s most extraordinary cricketers. He got another feather in his cap when he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award by Pratibha Patil, President of India, in New Delhi on Monday (05 May 2008).On receiving the prestigious award, he mused, “This is very close to my heart. I am very happy. It is difficult to explain in words”, a thrilled Tendulkar expressed after receiving it.
“In my career of 18 years, I have received numerous awards but this one is close to my heart. I am really amused that the government has acknowledged my contribution to the game and the nation”, he added.
The veteran batsman, who is the current captain of the Mumbai Indians team in the ongoing Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, is missing the action because of a groin injury.
His wife Anjali Tendulkar accompanied him to the grand ceremony. She told, “I am proud of him. He plays from the heart and he does not need an award to perform better.”