Tendulkar features in IAF calendar

New Delhi: Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar can now be seen in Indian Air Force fatigues with Sukhoi fighter aircraft in the backdrop in the IAF's 2011 calendar.

The cricket icon features in the calendar wearing a green flying suit with helmet tucked under his left arm.

Mr. Tendulkar appears on the January page with a Su-30MKI in the background.

Mr. Tendulkar is the only person appearing in the calendar which otherwise carries the pictures of various fighter planes and transport aircraft of the IAF.

The IAF said Mr. Tendulkar had been featured to spread awareness about the force among the youth. “He is a national hero and youth relate to him,” an IAF official said.

On September 3, the IAF conferred the honorary rank of Group Captain on Mr. Tendulkar for his cricketing achievements and contribution to the nation. He is the first person with no aviation background to receive the honour. — PTI