15-yr-old Leukaemia patient's only wish was to meet the master blaster. With a volley of insightful questions about his career, Varun Kumar impressed Sachin with his knowledge of cricket



Loved by millions across the world, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar continues to be a true role model both on and off the field.

An NGO approached the little master requesting him to grant a 15-year-old leukemia patient an audience.

Touched by the bleak condition of the teenager, Sachin decided to bring cheer to the life of the young struggler.



Yesterday morning was a special day in the life of Varun Sudhir Kumar.

After all he was granted his wish of meeting his idol Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin invited Varun to his Bandra residence and patiently answered all the questions that the youngster had.

Impressed by his knowledge, Sachin tweeted, "Even adults haven't asked me such insightful questions. He is one of the brightest kids I have ever met. I pray for his speedy recovery."

Wish for it

Sadaf Hussain, National Co-ordination Corporate Partnership and Communication Make a wish foundation of India fulfills the inner most wishes of children suffering from life threatening illness.

Mukul Gupte, CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation India, said that the child had been waiting for months to meet his hero.

"We usually ask a child to give us two options apart from their first wish so that if we can't make one happen we can try for the others.

However this boy's only wish was to meet Sachin and he didn't want anything else," said Gupte, adding that Tendulkar's commitment was brilliant.

"He doesn't just shake a hand or take a picture with the child. He plays with the kids and spends quality time with them. We haven't seen the same levels of dedication from any other celebrity," said Gupte.

Tendulkar has so far helped the foundation with over twenty such wishes.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is currently hosting a Wishing Well Weekend until Sunday at Phoenix Mills, the proceeds of which will go towards helping other such children.

Varun: Which is your dearest score? Your 200 vs South Africa or your international debut match where you scored 15 runs against Pakistan?
Sachin: The 15 runs against Pakistan was more important because from there I got the start. I got the feeling that I can play against any bowler in the world.

Varun: I know that your personal dream is to win the World Cup 2011. What are your preparations?
Sachin: I am doing lot of hard work for it. I am practicing and I am focussed on the World Cup. I and my team members have started planning for that.