Sachin Tendulkar celebrates birthday with Real Hero's of India

Sachin Tendulkar has mostly celebrated his birthdays in a quiet manner and away from the public eye over the years. On the eve of his 38th birthday too, the Little Maestro chose to make the occasion special in his own way by fulfilling the wishes of physically challenged soldiers based in Pune on Friday.

Special on Sachin's 38th Birthday:

Since his cricketing commitments made it impossible for Tendulkar to meet them personally, he interacted with the soldiers undergoing rehabilitation at the paraplegic centre in Pune's Khadki cantonment via a video-conference which was lively and called lots of laughter.

While the jawans asked him several questions, Tendulkar too had a few to ask one of them being, "When you go out on a mission there are no retakes. Where do you get the courage from, especially at times when it is a matter of life and death? To which, the jawans replied, "Whatever we do as soldiers is with the responsibility of serving the nation and when we are at the front it is about that and nothing else matters. One doesn't even think about whether you'll stay alive or not." The answer had Tendulkar moved.

On a lighter note, a jawan asked him about his trips to Dehradun and if the hill station was one of his favourite. Tendulkar said, "I have been there only once but the television channels keep showing the same footage. But it's a very nice place and I loved the long morning walks in solace there."

He was also asked about his love for tennis to which Tendulkar quipped, "For me as a kid the choice was between tennis and cricket and I feel that I didn't make a bad choice. Though, I still love tennis and watch it whenever I get time."

About every kid wanting to play cricket and be like him, Tendulkar pronounced that it was for every parent to allow their children to pursue their interests. "Children have their own choices, they should be encouraged. For the kids, it is important that they pursue their dreams with devotion."

Tendulkar promised to pay a visit to the jawans. "I would like to play table tennis with you and would like to learn to play basketball when I come to meet you," he said.

Tendulkar also cut a cake and exchanged bouquets with the soldiers on camera. 

Sachin - "I wished a kid good health and speedy recovery and he told me 'my life is in your hands. Only your prayers and wishes will help me recover'. It's only when you get to hear such things that you are brought face to face with some harsh realities of life."

Master Blaster Honoured at BCCI

Batting maestro god of cricket Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was honoured with a special award by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) annual awards ceremony for completing two decades in international cricket. Cricket god sachin told that this is an indication of what we have been able to achieve in the last 20 months or so. It is a special day for me and all the Indians. It is great to be sitting on the top.

Tendulkar received the Polly Umrigar Award, carrying Rs five lakh prize and a trophy, for outstanding performance in international matches in the, as well as a special trophy for reaching personal milestones of 14,000 and 18,000 runs in Tests and ODIs.

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar will be given a special plague for completing two decades in International cricket


For completing two decades in international cricket, ‘Master Blaster‘ Sachin Tendulkar will be given a special memorial tablet.


Sachin - "I have no doubt in my mind that Anil is India's greatest bowler ever."

Tendulkar is greatest sporting role model - Gary Kirsten

India's outgoing coach Gary Kirsten on Tuesday bid an emotional farewell, after his three-year tenure as India's team cricket coach, saying it was one of the hardest goodbyes he has ever said.

"I am glad that I am leaving the team in a healthy state, but this is one of the hardest goodbyes I have had to say," Kirsten told reporters at the Cricket Centre in Wankhede.

Kirsten, who leaves for South Africa on Tuesday night, praised legend Sachin Tendulkar for his friendship.

"Tonight, I leave with my wife to return to South Africa. To Sachin (Tendulkar), I want to say thank you for your friendship. You are the greatest sporting role model I have ever met," he said.

"It has been an honour to work with him over the last three years and I want to thank him for his support," he added.

Kirsten also extensive a heart felt thanks to the support staff and the cricket team.

"I thank everyone who gave me this unique opportunity and privilege to be part of this extraordinary country," he said.

Speaking about the World Cup victory, Kirsten said that he would have loved to win the Cup as a player.

"However, I did use my reference point as a player. But we were not in it for personal glory," he said.

"It was tough for a new coach as the Indian team had set high standards for themselves. But, as a new coach, it was important for me to bring some freshness of ideas in such a way that the players responded positively and I surprised myself," he said.

Worship the Indian team, Kirsten spoke about the strengths of each member of the team.

"Virat is ready for test cricket. Ishant had a tough year, but he can be a future star player. I enjoyed working with Raina and I am excited about the young (Cheteshwar) Pujara. Indian cricket in a healthy position," he said.

Kirsten also said that he was very happy with Munaf Patel and that Zaheer Khan is the best bowler in the world and that he is extremely proud of Yuvraj Singh.

"Team India has unbelievable bowlers to left handers," he said. "I loved working one on one with players. I believe Dhoni is the best captain in the world. He leads by example and expects his troops to be ready for the battle. I have never seen him lose his temper. He is one of the greatest leaders of the country," Kirsten said.

"We achieved both our goals to be the World Champions and the number one Test side. The way the players handled the weight of expectations of the entire country was surprising," he said.

Sachin - "I think I have already spoken a lot. Now it is time for me to play"

Tendulkar not get ready to retire

India icon Sachin Tendulkar requests he has no idea to get retire after finally tasting World Cup success at the sixth attempt of asking.There was no 100th international century for the Little Master on Saturday but he walked away with the only medal that was eluding him up to then as India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final in Mumbai.

With so many records behind his name and his trophy collection now complete, does he plan to call it a day?

When CricketWorld.com put this question to him, Tendulkar replied: "No. This is a moment to enjoy and celebrate. It's not about what I'm going to do in the future. This is a special moment which I really want to share my enjoy and live it to its fullest. This was the reason why I started playing cricket. I wanted to achieve something, do something for the country. The process has been a long one and I've continued to enjoy my game. I don't see any reason why I need to change anything right now."

The 37-year-old says he is still "speechless" after India's success.
"I started playing cricket dreaming of lifting the world cup and that is where it all started," he said. "I am speechless to be honest, to express how I feel. This is by far the best moment. This is the moment I have been waiting for, for such a long time, 21 or 22 years. It is really worth every bit of it. It is really, really special to me."

The Indian team are yet to enjoy the World Cup with the fans and Tendulkar admits he is looking forward to it.

"I haven't faced the general crowd outside," he said. "We've just been mingling with our family and friends. We haven't been able to experience and share our joy with the outsiders. That's the reaction I am really looking forward to. I can imagine what the reaction will be. All I've seen is the reaction on the news channels and it's absolutely fascinating."

Sachin - "I admire the work he does off the field as well, especially in Calcutta, and I'm sure people back home would be wishing well for him."

Celebration of Sachin Tendulkar - World Cup 2011

Finally......

CHAK DE INDIA!!!

Cricket World Cup 2011- Sachin Tendulkar can inspire India to Achieve

The 10th World Cup starts on Saturday in Dhaka when Bangladesh entertain India. It should be a cracker, with a full house guaranteed as the underdogs yap at their big neighbours, hopeful of a repeat of their shock victory four years ago in the Caribbean. It should presage a tournament full of vibrancy and madcap bustle. 

Sachin Tendulkar was carried around his home ground like a triumphant king as India's World Cup winners dedicated victory to their country's cricketing icon.

'The Little Master' - looking for his 100th international century - could manage only 18 in the final, but that did not discredit from a night of celebration.

Team-mate Virat Kohli admitted: "This is for Sachin and goes out to all the people of India.

"Sachin has carried the burden of a nation for 21 years, so it was time for us to carry him."

An emotional Tendulkar finally earned the trophy that has eluded him in five previous attempts and said: "I couldn't have asked for anything better than this. I was not able to control my tears, but they were happy tears so I don't mind crying.

"To be a part of this team is a great honour."

Paceman Zaheer Khan added: "It is a dream come true - and we wanted it so badly for this very special guy."

"I wanted to create an environment where the team was happy and felt like team. Sachin for me was the master in this way," he added. 

The South African also said it would be great if Tendulkar could continue to play till 2015 World Cup but admitted that he was getting old and must now become selective in his approach.

"In 2015, he would be 42...I think that would be great. He doesn't want to retire because he is enjoying the game. I am proud of him. But he is getting old and he would have to pick and choose his games," said Kirsten. 

"When we got the world cup in our hands and the popping of champagne. Also, when the team lifted me with the tri-colour in my hand. That was the ultimate feeling", said Sachin.

Sachin - "I think he set great examples in the way cricket should be played and in tough conditions he would produce some tremendous performances"