MCA to bid strongly for Sachin Tendulkar’s Bharat Ratna

For many months now, fans have been demanding that Sachin Tendulkar be conferred with the Bharat Ratna. Now, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is also stepping up the pressure on the government.

MCA chief Vilasrao Deshmukh intends writing a letter to the Prime Minister stating that Tendulkar be honoured with the country’s highest civilian award. The resolution was passed at the MCA’s managing committee meet held on Friday.

Deshmukh is keen that Tendulkar be the first sportsperson to receive the honour. He feels that since the criterion for the award has changed, the MCA must make a strong bid for Tendulkar.

Earlier, the Bharat Ratna was limited to exceptional contribution to art, literature and science, and in recognition of public services of the highest order. Now the Bharat Ratna covers all fields and it can be awarded in recognition of distinguished performance in any field of human endeavour.

Deshmukh said, “We’d like to thank the sports minister for suggesting and recommending a category for sportspersons. We’d request the ministry to recommend Tendulkar’s name as a young sportsperson for the Bharat Ratna award, which will bring joy not only cricketers but to every sportsperson in India.”

He added, “I’m thankful to the Prime Minister for changing the eligibility criterion by including contributions from other fields which were not there earlier.”

Courtesy : DNA