RS seat an honour, but not joining politics: Sachin Tendulkar
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Sachin Tendulkar today said that his nomination to the Rajya Sabha was an honour but made it clear that he was not quitting cricket to join politics and will always remain a sportsman.
Speaking for the first time since he was nominated for a Rajya Sabha seat on April 26, Tendulkar stated he would never enter politics by giving up cricket which he said was his life.
"I am not a politician. I am a sportsman and will always remain one. I am not going to enter politics giving up cricket, which is my life. I will continue to play cricket," he said during a felicitation function by a private firm for scoring his 100th international ton.
Tendulkar's acceptance of the Rajya Sabha membership has evoked a mixed reaction amongst sportspersons and politicians. While many have hailed the government's decision to honour him, there were others who have raised doubts on whether the champion batsman can find time and contribute in the Rajya Sabha.
The 39-year-old Tendulkar acknowledged that the honour bestowed on him was for his contribution to the field of cricket.
"I believe the President has chosen me after recognising I have done for over 22 years," he said.
"Cricket is my expertise. I would like to contribute to that field. I am a sportsman and I will always be a sportsman," said Tendulkar who is the highest run getter in
international cricket.
He said many eminent persons, including melody queen Lata Mangeshkar and actor Prithviraj Kapoor too, had been nominated by the President for their contribution in their respective fields.
Replying to a question on his scoring the 100th international hundred, Tendulkar said winning the World Cup was his most cherished dream, for which, he waited for close to 22 years.
"John Wright (the then coach) had told me in 2003 that I could become the first player to score hundred centuries. One has to keep chasing dreams till they come true," he said.
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