World chess champion Viswanathan Anand on Thursday joined the growing list of top athletes supporting the demand that iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar be conferred the Bharat Ratna -- the highest civilian honour in India.
When asked whether Tendulkar, who recently hit his 50th Test century, deserves to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, Anand said, "Sure, he has done a great job."
"Especially the form our guys are showing should be great for the World Cup. It is not even that the team is depending on one guy, three-four guys are doing well, and hopefully we will pick the World Cup next year. He (Sachin) has been doing a great job," Anand said.
- Congratulate Sachin Tendulkar
Celebrities from different fields have backed the demand for the top honour for the 37-year-old batsman.
The high-profile backers include ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and singing legends Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle.
Even some politicians, including BJP MP and Archery Association of India V K Malhotra have also said that Tendulkar should be conferred the honour for his achievements.