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As the clamour to confer Sachin Tendulkar the prestigious Bharat Ratna continues to grow, the master batsman admitted that having India's highest civilian honour among his countless awards "will be a dream come true".
"Every Indian citizen dreams to be honoured by his nation for his contributions. To be appreciated is the greatest feeling one can have," Tendulkar said in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old recently notched another milestone when he scored his 50th century in Test cricket to go with his 46 tons in One-Day Internationals. Last February, he became the first player in the history of cricket to score a double hundred in One-Day Internationals, achieving the feat against at Gwalior, against South Africa.
Several top politicians and sportspersons around the country have also voiced their support for Tendulkar.
If reports are to be believed, then Tendulkar is certain to get the Bharat Ratna. This will also set another benchmark, as no other sportsperson has ever won the accolade.
His India team-mate VVS Laxman has been bestowed the Padma Shri for his services to the game.
The Hyderabad batsman, who has played significant turns in securing many memorable wins for Team India in Tests, follows Virender Sehwag in the list -- the swashbuckling opener being conferred the honour last year.
The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian honour in the country after Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan.
