Final goodbye from God

Sportline talks to players who have been inspired by Sachin and the way he brought glory to the nation.

Manpreet Singh,hockey

Sachin paaji is a tremendous cricketer and he means a lot to the sports world where he is an icon and role model for everyone. It’s sad that he’s retiring from cricket after 24 years when India need more people like him. He is an inspiration for everyone- the way he dedicated his time to the sport,and the way he prepared for every match. His passion even during practice matches motivates me as a sportperson. Once he is on the field then nothing else matters,except winning the game and making the nation proud. His achievements are recognised all over the world and people talk about him everyday. To be honest I have never watched any cricket match,but his knocks against Pakistan in 2003 and 1999 world cups were memorable. I am inspired by his humbleness,just like Dhyan Chand ji.

Anjum Moudgil,shooter

One thing which I admire the most in Sachin Tendulkar is his determination and passion for the sport. The way he carried himself for 24 years of his career was commendable and it inspires youngsters like me. Shooting is a mental sport and one needs patience and dedication to excel. I saw the farewell innings too and the way Sachin managed himself was something to be learnt. The whole nation was watching the match and Sachin sir was playing at ease as if it was not his farewell Test match. But in the end,he,too,got emotional. One thing which I would take from his life would be his passion for the game.

Vijayant Malik,tennis

I don’t know much about cricket but whatever little knowledge I have about cricket,it is due to Sachin Tendulkar. He is not called as God of cricket for nothing. He has made country proud and done a lot for country by keeping Indian flag high. What he has achieved in these two decades,I don’t think any other cricketer can even come closer to him. While travelling,I went to stadiums to watch Ranji matches and I have many other memories too,like we secretly used to watch TV even during exams because World Cup matches were played in that month. His love for sports is incomparable. He announced retirement at the right time.

Milkha Singh,athlete

He deserved the Bharat Ratna. Finally,a sportsperson will get this award. With this,it will pave the way for other sportspersons who can now hope to get the highest recognition for their efforts and bringing glory to their country. The government should start giving due recognition to its sporting heroes so that the coming generation feels inspired.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu,football

I have been lucky enough to see the God of cricket play live on a cricket field. It was a privilege to watch him hitting those glorious drives. I saw the last day of Sachin’s 200th Test match against West Indies. I think he is a perfect example of how a sportsperson and a good human being should be. The dedication,the respect he has shown to the sport is commendable and I really envy him the way he has carried himself for more than two decades.

Abhinav Bindra,shooter

Thrilled to know that Tendulkar has been chosen for the award. It’s a great honour that a sportsperson had been chosen for such an award,and the batting legend deserved it.

(Compiled by Tashi Lundup and Nitin Sharma)

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