Sachin is a jewel for MCA: Sharad Pawar

The city's cricketing body paid a fitting tribute to the batting legend who will retire from cricket after the second Test against West Indies by naming its Kandivli sports facility as the ‘Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana' yesterday.

MCA President Sharad Pawar with a framed painting of Sachin Tendulkar. Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan (left) looks on at the newly inaugurated Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana yesterday. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Both the Indian and West Indies teams, and a galaxy of past and present cricketers graced the occasion that also witnessed the presence of political bigwigs.u00a0The function started with actress Isha Sharvani performing the traditional Ganesh Vandana along with her troupe.

Keeping in mind Tendulkar's love for old Bollywood songs, Shaan sang a few old numbers - Main hoon Don, Bach ke rehna rey baba and Kabhi Alvida na Kehna among others.

MCA president Sharad Pawar called Tendulkar a precious jewel. He said, "We are honoured to have a player like him amidst us today. He has outstanding achievements in both Test and one-day cricket.

He has been a great ambassador for not only the game of cricket but also for the sporting community. He is a great role model for youngsters. Sachin has been a precious jewel of the MCA."

Pawar added: "One thing that stands about Sachin is his respect for the game and the way he carries himself on and off the field. In his 24 long years, he has never been involved in any controversy on or off the field."

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan too wished Tendulkar the very best. "Sachin is one of the greatest Indians, a great sportsperson and a great hero. He has given India years and years of sporting pleasure. He is admired not only here but all over the world. We all celebrate his success."u00a0