My dream has come true: Sachin

New Delhi (The Hindu) - For his glorious contribution to the gentleman's game, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was conferred the honorary rank of group captain by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P. V. Naik at a function here on Friday.

“It has indeed been a dream come true to get honoured by the IAF [Indian Air Force] and be a part of the great air warrior family. From the most crucial challenge of defending the nation from any external aggression to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at times of crisis, the Air Force has always played its role with competence,” said Mr. Tendulkar.

Admitting his fondness for fighter planes, the cricketer recalled how in 1996 he got an opportunity to fly a fighter plane in South Africa. “It was a frightening experience. I was told to eject out of the aircraft if something went wrong, it would only lead to a broken elbow.”

Referring to the alleged involvement of three Pakistani cricketers in spot fixing in England, Mr. Tendulkar later told the journalists that integrity was extremely important in sports.

Earlier Air Chief Marshal Naik said that during his entire cricketing career, Mr. Tendulkar had not been involved in any controversy. “Like the IAF, he has single minded devotion to duty, dedication and perseverance and courage under adversity.”

The proposal to confer the master blaster with the honorary rank was approved by the President on May 20. The IAF has, till date, conferred honorary rank on 17 personalities, including industrialist J.R.D. Tata and Maharaja of Jamnagar S.D. Jadeja.