Tendulkar a great ambassador of cricket, true icon: Mukherjee

New Delhi, Nov.14 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday described Sachin Tendulkar as a great ambassador of the game of cricket and of India. He said Sachin is a true icon who has inspired youth across the country by not only his stupendous records, but also by his conduct on and off the field. The president said: "I join millions of adoring fans in hailing the achievements of Sachin Tendulkar as he plays his last international test match in Mumbai beginning today. Sachin has decided to call it a day as far as cricket is concerned, but I have no doubts that he will continue to serve the game and the nation." The president made these remarks after giving away prizes to the wining teams of a T-10 cricket tournament organized by the President's Secretariat within the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He congratulated all the players and winners and said he was happy the final of the tournament was organized on a day when the entire country is celebrating the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as Children's Day. He said it was also a special day because of it was the first day of the last international test match played by the cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar. Mukherjee said he was delighted to see the excitement and enthusiasm generated by the tournament. Referring to the saying "The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton", Mukherjee said sports helps develop character and build team spirit and camaraderie. He expressed the hope that sports events such as these will enhance fellow-feeling amongst all members of the Rashtrapati Bhavan community. The First T-10 Tournament of the Rashtrapati Bhavan was won by Household Royals led by Meher Chand and Runners up was PBG Chargers led by Major Amit Bharadwaj. Sandeep Kumar of PBG Chargers was declared Man of the Match and Vinod Kumar of Household Royals was adjudged the Best Bowler of the series. (ANI)