I am not a politician, I am a sportsman: Sachin Tendulkar

Speaking for the first time since his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar said though the nomination was like a 'bouncer', it was indeed an honour for him.

"It's an honour when the President nominates your name. I was excited to be nominated," he said.Sachin also said he was a sportsman and will always remain one as whatever he has achieved in his life is because of cricket. "I am not a politician, I am a sportsman," Sachin said.

However, the batting maestro said he would like to contribute in the field of sports. "I would definitely like to contribute in the field of sports because that is my expertise and I will need your help."Sachin is being felicitated in Pune today for becoming the first man in the history of cricket to score 100 international centuries.

"I'm part of Air-force but don't know how to fly a plane. So if I've joined RS doesn't mean I've become a politician"

Sachin is making his first public appearance off the cricket field after being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. He is the first sportsperson ever to make it to the Rajya Sabha as a member nominated by the President of India.When he was asked how he handled so much of glory and criticism, Sachin said he "learnt it from his family". "It was an unwritten rule in the house. You can't bring back what has happened, formula was just move ahead in life. Nobody would get carried away with good performances," he said.

Sachin, who also indulges in a lot of charity work, said he did not like speaking about it. "I don't like speaking about it. I help sponsor for education of children. I feel if my children get good education, why not help others get the same. Every individual should do charity depending on their capacity. Joy of giving could be anything," the master batsman said.

© NDTV