'Dedicate Bharat Ratna to my mother'

Sachin Tendulkar bid adieu to international cricket Saturday after India's second consecutive innings victory over the West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Soon after, the Government of India conferred him with the highest civilian award of the country - the Bharat Ratna. Tendulkar became the first Indian sportsperson to be awarded with the Bharat Ratna after calling time on a 24-year career that lasted between November 15 1989 and November 15 2013. It was after a gap of five years that the Indian Government found a deserving citizen for the honour. Hindustani classical singer, Bhimsen Joshi received the coveted award in 2008. Tendulkar, speaking to the media on Sunday, dedicated the award to his mother and India as a whole for having supported him for a quarter of a century. Rajini Tendulkar was also seen in attendance at the stadium to watch her son play his last and historic 200th Test in front of stands packed with emotional home fans. "Yesterday I said the Bharat Ratna is for my mother, for all the sacrifices she made from the time of my birth. It is difficult as a child to understand what your parents have to go through to make you happy. When you grow up you realise that. This award is for all mothers in India." Tendulkar said winning matches for India was his ultimate goal and the drive that kept him going through the 24 years. "I am humbled that this award has been bestowed upon me. When you are out playing, all you want to do is score runs, take wickets, hold on to catches, field well and win matches. " Tendulkar also dedicated the Bharat Ratna to the people of India who had been there for him through his ups and downs and believed in the ability of the man, who has come to be known as the Little Master: "I would say that the award belongs to the entire nation. People have always supported my performance." Tendulkar wished eminent scientist, Professor CNR Rao, who was also awarded with the Bharat Ratna along with him. He said cricket was played infront of thousands of adoring fans while the work Professor Rao did was away from the public glare and he ought to be recognised. "I would like to congratulate Professor Rao for getting the Bharat Ratna. It is an honour to get the award with him. His contribution to the field of science is immense," Tendulkar said.