Tendulkar tells media: Don't make comparisons, let Arjun have his own identity

Sachin Tendulkar’s son, Arjun, is a budding cricketer and his performances are being watched closely by the media.  

The master batsman has urged the fourth estate to refrain from scrutinizing the lad's performances and adding pressure on the 14-year-old.

Tendulkar, who was felicitated by the Sports Journalists' Association of Mumbai on Sunday for scoring 100 international centuries, said he wants his son to have his own identity.

"My son has played a match today. First club match, an official match. He is passionate, he is madly in love with cricket. But there are other things that go around the cricketer and not just the on-field activity; but whatever he gets to hear, or gets to read or the way it gets projected, I would appreciate if everyone allows him to be himself and let him have his own identity and enjoy his cricket above all," Tendulkar said.

"Since I am here, and the entire sports journalists' fraternity is sitting over here, I am going to be a protective father.

“When I started playing cricket, though my father was a professor and was in the literary field, at no stage I had this pressure from anyone who said ‘you are playing cricket but how about following your father's footsteps’," he said.

"At no stage of my life were there comparisons. He (Arjun) started his career, so it is a humble request if he can live his life like a normal 14-year-old, without thinking about anything else except falling in love with this sport," he added.

Tendulkar, who is the first player to score 100 tons in international cricket, was conferred a special award.

Tendulkar advised the other award winners to have a positive mindset to excel in their respective fields.

"From my own experience and my own journey I can tell you to enjoy every moment. There will be some challenges along the way but embrace those challenges. Don't find short cuts. Continue to make the nation proud. They (sports journalists) play a huge role in making players and not supporting players. You give them a reason to support you. Their actions are always followed by your performances.

"To be able to perform consistently over the years, the mental frame of mind has to be positive at all times. You need positive energy flowing through your body, which will allow those free moments and bring out the best in you," he said.

Other winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award -- Marzban Patel (Hockey)

Best Sportsman -- Aditya Mehta (Snooker)

Best Sportswoman -- Rahi Sarnobat (Shooting)

Best Junior Sportsman -- Mahesh Mangaonkar (Squash)

Best Junior Sportswoman -- Tanvi Lad (Badminton)

Best Sportsperson (Indian Games) -- Deepika Henry Joseph (Kabaddi);

Cricketer of the Season (male) -- Abhishek Nayar

Cricketer of the Season (female) -- Punam Raut

Junior Cricketer of the Year -- Arman Jaffer

Best Team of the Season -- Mumbai Ranji Trophy Team.