Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar began his new innings as member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday after he took oath in the presence of the members of the parliament
The champion batsman was sworn in as a member of the Upper House in the chamber of Chairman Hamid Ansari.u00a0
He was accompanied by his wife Anjali Tendulkar.
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Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanawamy and a few other leaders were also present on the occasion.
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Sachin Tendulkar. Photo: AFP
It is a great honour to be nominated a Rajya Sabha member and I thank all for showing faith in me and bestowing this honour," Sachin told reporters later.
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"I believe in the last 22 years of international cricket I have played, cricket has given me so many things in life...
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"I always have this dream of giving back to cricket... I strongly believe whatever I am today is because of cricket," he said.u00a0
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Sachin said as a Rajya Sabha member, he would be in a better position not only to help cricket but other sports.
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"I believe there might be a few obstacles and challenges, and I need help from my fellow parliamentarians, the administrators, media and our countrymen. I think together we can make lot of changes," he said.
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"I will be happy if I am remembered as someone who contributed to all sports rather than just to cricket statistics. That will be fantastic," he said.
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Will he get enough time to devote to parliament?
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Sachin replied: "I am a nominee, and I did not go to anyone saying I want to become a Rajya Sabha member. It is an honour which I accept with full respect.
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"I am here because of my cricketing career and I cannot take any focus away from cricket because that is where it all started for me.u00a0
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"My focus will be on cricket. As and when there is time in between, I will look at other things and see how I can help and bringing whatever changes not (just) in cricket but other sports (too)," he added.
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Sachin’s name as a Rajya Sabha member had been recommended this year along with Bollywood actress Rekha and businesswoman Anu Aga.
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Rekha and Aga have already taken oath in May, Sachin could not do so because of his IPL commitments.
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