Saturday, Nov 16, 2013
Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar’s speech after his farewell Test here will go down as one of the most heart-tugging thanks giving by a sportsperson who served the country for 24 years and walked away with his head held high.
As a packed stadium rose in one and listened to the man, the Master Blaster choked with emotion as he began his speech after commentator Ravi Shastri handed him the mike. After a hesitant start, what followed was a speech as smooth as his knocks once he settles down. When the crowd cheered louder for him chanting ‘Sachin Sachin’, he appealed:
“Friends... please settle down, I’ll get more emotional.”
“It’s hard to believe my wonderful journey is coming to an end,” Tendulkar said, taking out a paper from his pocket and said: “I’ve a list of names to thank.
“The first is my father who passed away in 1999. Without his guidance, I wouldn’t be standing in front of you. It was he who said ‘Chase your dreams, don’t give up, although the path will be difficult. I really miss him today.”
Looking towards the box where his mother was seated, he thanked her, “My mom, I don’t know how she managed a naughty child like me. She just prayed and prayed from the day I started playing the game.”
Thanking his family, Tendulkar said, “The most beautiful thing happened to me when I met Anjali in 1990. Being a doctor, there was a big career in front of her but she decided to take care of our family while I continued playing. Thanks for bearing with me, and for all the nonsense I’ve said.” He then turned towards his children and said: “The two precious diamonds of my life Sara and Arjun. I’ve missed out on your several birthdays, holidays etc. I know for last 14-16 years I’ve not spent enough time with you. But I promise you, I will make up for all that in the next 16 or more. My in-laws — I’ve discussed several things with them., but the most important thing they did was allow me to marry Anjali.”
Tendulkar then went on to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association. “I started my career here in Mumbai. I remember landing from New Zealand at 4 am once and playing a Ranji game the next day. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has always been fantastic from my debut. Thanks to the selectors for selecting me when I was just 16...and you have always been with me making sure I was well taken care of.”
Turning towards the giant screen which showed Rahul Dravid, V.V.S. Laxman and Sourav Ganguly (all present as commentators), Tendulkar said, “Thanks to all the senior cricketers who have played with me. We see on the screen Rahul, Laxman, Sourav and Anil who is not here — and all the coaches. A big thanks to them too. When ‘MS’ (Dhoni) presented the 200th Test cap on first day, I had a message for the team: “We are all so proud to be representing the nation. I hope you continue to serve the nation with dignity. I have full faith that you will serve the country in the right spirit.”
Then came the turn of the team doctors who kept him fit over the years: “I will be failing in my duty if I don’t thank the doctors who’ve handled this body and kept me fit. Given the injuries I have suffered over the years, they have treated me in the oddest of hours.”
Before ending his speech, Tendulkar added: “I know my speech has gone for too long. But before I stop, I want to thank all those who have flown in from different parts of the world. I want to thank my fans from the bottom of my heart. The words “Sachin, Sachin” will reverberate in my ears as long as my breath lasts.”
By K.R. Nayar Chief Cricket Writer
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
