Anna demands Bharat Ratna for Tendulkar

Pune, Nov 17: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has backed demands of honouring Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour.
"Sachin deserves Bharat Ratna for his valuable contribution to the country. He has made the country proud and inspired the youths," Hazare said, on the sidelines of an inaugural ceremony of a cricket competition in his hometown at Ralegan Siddhi.

"When Tendulkar has taken the country's name to great heights, when the youth are highly inspired by him, why he should not be felicitated with Bharat Ratna," the 74-year-old asked.

The 1992 Padma Bhusan awardee further stated that, "many youths who have have joined cricket are greatly inspired Tendulkar.

They consider him a role model and want to play like him. He has done a great job for the country." Hazare also played a few cricketing shots during the inaugural function.