Bharat Ratna Tendulkar wants to 'give people of India reasons to smile'

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said he will "continue to bat for India" in all spheres of life in his endeavour to bring smile on the faces of the common people.

- Sachin Tendulkar first sportsman to be honoured with Bharat Ratna

"I will continue to bat for India even though my cricket has stopped, but I will continue to bat for India and try my best to give people of India a reason to smile," Tendulkar said after being conferred with the Bharat Ratna in New Delhi on Tuesday.

"It's the biggest honour for me and I am extremely delighted on receiving Bharat Ratna," he said.

"I am extremely proud to be born in this beautiful nation and I would like to express my gratitude for all the love, affection and support I have received for a number of years."

Tendulkar, 40, and eminent scientist Prof C N R Rao were honoured at the Rashtrapati Bhavan's Durbar Hall, during a brief function that was attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Union ministers, Sachin's wife Anjali, daughter Sara and a host of dignitaries.

Master batsman Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket on November 16 last year, is the first sportsman to be bestowed with the honour.

"I would like to reiterate what I said a couple of months ago that this recognition I would like to dedicate to my mother and along with her, all the mothers in India who sacrifice their wishes, aspirations for their children so that their dreams come true," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar, the youngest man to receive the honour, also congratulated Prof Rao for motivating youngsters to become scientists.

"I would like to congratulate Prof C N R Rao for the Bharat Ratna. He has been instrumental in motivating and inspiring the youth of India to become scientists. I wish him all the happiness and good health."