' The Legend ' warns not to challenge him in Table Tennis

Sachin Tenulkar, India and Mumbai Indians opener, warns fans and people not to challenge him over a game of Table Tennis, as he is pretty decent in the indoor game.As a youngster, Sachin played table tennis with friends, after completing cricket net sessions, both in the morning and in the evening. 

 

Sachin Tendulkar

Once Sachin broke his thumb and he couldn't play as his arm was in cast. At that time watching his friends play table tennis made Sachin uncomfortable and he started practicing with his left hand. And later on he could play table tennis with his left hand too.Sachin says he may not be a champion player but a decent one.He says, "Be careful when you challenge me."

' The Legend ' to make film debut ?

Cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar is likely to make an appearance in filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra's forthcoming film, Ferrari Ki Sawari.

There is buzz that the master blaster has not only allowed the makers to use his name in the film but has also agreed to do a small cameo, for which he will shoot after the IPL.


While the makers remained tight-lipped about the much hyped cameo, Chopra said he is happy to use Sachin's name in the film.

"There is a mention of him in the film. We are happy that we got to use his name in the film. For that (special appearance) you will have to see the film. I can't say about it now. I would love everyone to watch the film," Chopra said

Ferrari Ki Sawari, set to be released on June 15, revolves around a child, his father (Sharman Joshi) and grandfather (Boman Irani). It is about a child's dream to play cricket, and in a bid to fulfill his dream enters the twisted tale of a Ferrari. The story takes an interesting turn when Sharman is instructed to steal Sachin's Ferrari.

The theatrical trailer of Ferrari Ki Sawari shows Sharman mentioning that Sachin owns a Ferrari.

' The Legend ' is " the world's best athlete ", says Time Magazine

Sachin Tendulkar’s super-human feats have earned him the title of “The God of Cricket” from his fans around the world. Time magazine’s latest issue – which is scheduled to go on the stands on May 11, 2012 - features him on the cover with the same title. This is the second time he would feature on Time’s cover – the first time being in the year 1999.
 

Boby Ghosh, Time’s Deputy International Editor, interview Tendulkar after the batsman achieved the phenomenal milestone of a 100 international tons. In the interview, Tendulkar discussed numerous facets of his personality, his ability to shield himself from pressure, carrying the burden of over a billion expectations etc. Although Tendulkar is known for his quiet demeanour off the field, Ghosh was surprised to find him in a “chatty mood.”
 

Sportsmen have often spoken about “the zone” which allows them to deliver their best. On the subject, Tendulkar said “"I need to surrender myself to my natural instincts. My subconscious mind knows exactly what to do. It's been trained to react for years." He also said that he gets into such zones only 50% of the times, “One would like to be in that zone more often, but it’s not that easy. It’s like you are completely cut off from the crowd, from the noise they are making. Your subconscious has taken over.”
 

Tendulkar carries an enormous burden of expectations, but he spoke about his own, “Something which still gives me sleepless nights is, 'How will I go out and keep that standard, and live up to my own expectations? How am I going to go out and perform?' ” He said that it was this “restlessness” that has brought the best out of him.
 

The pressure of expectations may prevent a player from enjoying the game and Tendulkar stressed on the importance “So much happens [on and off the field] that sometimes you forget to enjoy the game. That’s when things don’t go smoothly”. In 2006, he played a few club games after his shoulder surgery – an experience he said was a game changer, “I played a couple of practice games, and there was not too much media, not too many people watching. I realized something was very different: I was enjoying cricket.”
 

Tendulkar’s fame and stature doesn’t allow him to move freely in India, particularly in his home city Mumbai. He said that it is “unfortunate” that he couldn’t take his children for walks etc, but said that when he spends time at home he is like any other family man.

 He also spoke about his son Arjun’s love for cricket and said that “As long as he is in love with cricket, it’s fine. Then you don’t look at your watch or count the number of hours you’ve practiced. It’s the sheer joy and satisfaction of being on the field. And that’s what I want [for him].”

Sporting greats such as Michael Schumacher, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Roger Federer have inspired Tendulkar, but he says, “but I’ve still got to be myself.” Ghosh’s article in the Time magazine titled “The God of Big Things”, unravels the phenomenon of Tendulkar and describes him as the “The World’s best athlete.” It compares him to modern sporting greats, “Every sport has record breakers, but of his contemporaries, only Michael Jordan, Lance Armstrong and prescandal Tiger Woods come anywhere close to matching him in redefining the realms of possibility.”

Ghosh also says that Lionel Messi may be the best football player in the world, but he faces a stiff competition from Cristiano Ronaldo. Tendulkar on the other hand is miles ahead of his next best competitor – Ricky Ponting who has 71 international centuries to his name.

The article describes Tendulkar’s cricketing journey, one that coincided with India’s new economic regime. It says that for a land that is not known to produce world-beating sportsman, Tendulkar gave India a new found belief and quotes Ramachandra Guha, "Sachin showed us that was nonsense--not only could we play, we could consistently beat countries that were supposedly of stronger physical stock."

Tendulkar’s recent nomination to the Rajya Sabha surprised many and it begs the question, “what after cricket for him.” Guha pointed out that “There is life in India after Sachin, but I don't know what life for Sachin can be after cricket."

My son is in love with cricket : ' The Legend '

NEW YORK : Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar says his 11-year old son Arjun is in "love" with cricket, which 'starts from heart and then travel up to brain when you grow up'.

Tendulkar said it was his son's own choice to start playing cricket and nobody forced him into the game. He wants Arjun to enjoy being on the field instead of thinking about the number of hours he has practised.

Arjun Tendulkar

"As long as he is in love with cricket, it's fine. Then you don't look at your watch or count the number of hours you've practiced. It's the sheer joy and satisfaction of being on the field. And that's what I want [for him].

"I believe cricket starts from your heart and then it travels up to your brain as you grow older. First you have to be in love with the game, and my son is in love with cricket," Tendulkar said in an interview to 'Time' magazine.

Arjun Tendulkar

Tendulkar said it is "unfortunate" that he cannot take his kids out for normal things like evening walks, so he looks forward to holidays with his family.

"In Mumbai, if I had to go out and be a normal father, it's not possible. We go on holidays and that is the time when I look to spend as much time with them as possible."

He said he plays with his son in Mumbai in a "controlled environment."

Tendulkar said he has passed on to his children the advice his father gave him that 'while cricket would be temporary in their lives, they should always try and be good people. So try and be a good person'. People will appreciate that even after you've stopped playing. I try and tell my children the same thing."

' The Legend ' to be felicitated by West Bengal government

Kolkata : The West Bengal sports department will felicitate milestone man Sachin Tendulkar in a befitting manner ahead of Mumbai Indian's IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 12.

State sports minister Madan Mitra told PTI on Tuesday that he had got in touch with Tendulkar who readily accepted the request and wrote in a mail that he was looking forward to the occasion.

"It will be a great occasion and we plan to felicitate in a befitting way for his 100th international centuries milestone," Mitra said.

"I'm looking forward to the occasion. I will be honoured to be felicitated at the iconic Eden Gardens by the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee)," Mitra quoted Sachin as stating in an e-mail.

Mitra on Tuesday met CAB chief Jagmohan Dalmiya to chalk out the nitty-gritties.

Mamata had earlier taken time off her busy schedule to be the chief guest in India's win over the West Indies in November last year and was seen sharing a great camaraderie with the batting maestro.

The state chief minister had earlier suggested Tendulkar's name for the highest civilian award -- Bharat Ratna -- after he notched the 100th century milestone against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.

' The Legend ' still has a schoolboy's passion for cricket : Kelkar

Mumbai : The batting legend's love-affair with the Wankhede Stadium started when Kelkar selected Tendulkar and his childhood chum Vinod Kambli for ball boy duties outside the boundary line. During the October 17, 1987 ODI between India and Zimbabwe, it was the first World Cup match that Sachin watched in a stadium.

It is often said that Tendulkar never forgets those who have made a contribution to his cricketing career. It was quite evident on Saturday as the batting maestro immediately recognised Kelkar, and stopped for a while to exchange pleasantries. Kelkar, on administrative duty at the Mumbai Cricket Association for the Indian Premier League, praised Tendulkar's down-to-earth nature in spite of all the fame and adulation. "This is his greatness (Tendulkar). I haven't done anything great (giving him an opportunity to be a ball boy), but he doesn't forget the smallest of the things," Kelkar told MiD DAY.

According to Kelkar, only under-16 boys 'qualified' for ball boy duties, but he was keen on recruiting Tendulkar and Kambli because of their exploits in inter-school matches. "I see the same thrill and expression on his face that I saw when he first entered this stadium. Cricket is his only life," Kelkar signed off.

Fans await to meet ' The Legend ' on his date with six cities worldwide

NEW DELHI : A select few fans will get to spend an evening with iconic Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar ' The Legend ' when he embarks on a worldwide, six-city tour over the next three years as part of Fidelis Worldwide Celebration Series.

"The first Evening with Sachin Tendulkar will take place in Dubai, the headquarters of the FidelisWorld Group," the company said in a release.'

The evening will have Tendulkar sharing personal perspectives on his career in an interactive session with the guests.

' The Legend ' will auction some personal memorabilia the proceeds of which will go to charity. He will also be presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award from Wisden India in recognition of his accomplishments as a serial centurion.

"The black-tie affair will offer a limited number of guests the opportunity for an intimate evening of dinner and entertainment with the maestro. The first installment of the Celebration Series will take place in Dubai on Saturday, June 9 at the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City," the release said.

"I am happy to be partnering with FidelisWorld and having an opportunity to meet my fans and supporters in the UAE through this event," Tendulkar said.

"I have many fond memories of playing in this country, and have always appreciated the success and support I have had here. I look forward to being in Dubai for the first stop of a six-city world tour," he added.

Navneet Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of FidelisWorld, said: "FidelisWorld is delighted to embark upon its Celebration Series with Sachin Tendulkar, the greatest batsman the world has seen. We congratulate this legend and are proud to be celebrating his iconic achievements."

I'm a sportsman, not a politician : ' The Legend '

New Delhi : In his first media interaction after being nominated for the Rajya Sabha by the President of India, Sachin Tendulkar '  The Legend ' said while he will like make a contribution as a Member of Parliament, he remains primarily a sportsman and not a politician.

"It's a bouncer, but I'm aware of my responsibilities. It's a great honour for me, [though] I'm not a politician but a sportsman. I will like to contribute in whatever way I can," Sachin said about his RS nomination, which has been made under the quota of eminent citizens of India.

 When asked about how he handles the amount of success he has achieved in cricket, Tendulkar credited it to his upbringing and education. "My upbringing taught me to have a balanced approach. Education helps in balanced thinking. Educations helps you in becoming a better person. Keeping mind blank is important. You should focus on the present. When people say I am insane, I am in the present."

"When the President nominates your name, you are nominated because of your contribution. I was nominated because I played for India for 22 years. Great persons like Lata [Mangeshkar] Didi have been nominated," Tendulkar said.

But Tendulkar was quick to make it clear that the nomination can't come in way of his playing cricket. "RS nomination is a great honour, but it's not going to stop my cricket. Cricket is my life. All my awards are only due to cricket."

' The Legend ' snubs Mumbai Corporation : Sena members

Mumbai : By now it has become common knowledge that the Shiv Sena isn't exactly jumping with joy at the prospect of cricketing maestro Sachin Tendulkar ' The Legend ' being part of the Upper House of Parliament, that too after being nominated by the Congress.

 The saffron party's lukewarm attitude to the new milestone may also have something to do with the fact that Tendulkar has decided to side with the Congress after ignoring repeated overtures made to him by the Sena.

 Tendulkar has repeatedly ignored requests from not one but three city mayors to spare some time and attend his own felicitation, planned on different occasions.

The latest snub came close on the heels of Tendulkar's 100th ton, when Mayor Sunil Prabhu sent him a letter, requesting that he give the civic body some time so they could felicitate him for his historic feat. This time too, Tendulkar chose to stay mum on the invite.

Nursing a hurt ego, the disgruntled civic body has decided not to extend such invites to the maestro any more.

  

"The mayor is the first citizen of the city, and in the last few years, the BMC has sent at least four such invitations to Tendulkar, asking for a small amount of his time so that it can fete him. But he has never accepted. He has all the time to meet people and even go to Delhi to do so. He also attends private functions hosted by businessmen, but can't give a confirmation to the BMC," said a Sena leader, on condition of anonymity.

Earlier, after the World Cup victory in 2011, former mayor Shraddha Jadhav had extended a similar invite to Tendulkar, who reportedly failed to respond.

Mayor Prabhu said, "Being the first citizen of the city, I have sent an invite to Sachin. Now it's up to him to revert with a time that is suitable for him."

Asked if he had considered sending the master blaster a reminder, he said, "We will wait for his reply, and when he does respond, we will arrange for the programme."

Shubha Raul, former mayor, opined that the civic body had had enough of the waiting game. "We approached him thrice, but if he has other commitments and hasn't reverted, we should stop here. If the desire to felicitate him persists, the mayor could write a congratulatory message to him, telling him that he has made us proud," she said. She also suggested that the BMC, instead of waiting on Tendulkar, could felicitate doctors or other achievers who have made meaningful contributions to society and are more willing to give the civic body some time.

'What role can a cricketer play in RS?'

Last afternoon, Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray took a dig at Tendulkar's nomination. Addressing the media from his residence Matoshree, he said, "Sachin is very big today, and I am proud of it. There are many who have been in the Rajya Sabha - Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini - but they all keep quiet. I would never become a member of the Rajya Sabha, because one needs to ask what scope there is for a member. What role can a cricketer play in Rajya Sabha? People in the Rajya Sabha need to think on their own. This is the Congress' dirty picture, where Rajya Sabha seats are being forced on people."