Prime Minister's Office has released a statement deciding to confer Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award to God of cricket Sachin Tendulkar and eminent scientist Prof C.N.R. Rao. Sachin will be the first sportsperson to receive Bharat Ratna. Prof. C.N.R. Rao is an eminent scientist. He has published over 1,400 research papers and 45 books. He has been honored with several national and international awards. Sachin Tendulkar has taken retirement from cricket today. He has played 200 test matches. For the past 24 years, this legend has served our country and millions of its people with several high class performances. Playing since the tender age of 16 years, Sachin has touched heart of millions across the globe and won laurels for our country. He has been a true ambassador of India in the world of sports. His achievements in cricket are unparalleled, the records set by him unmatched, and the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by him exemplary. The announcement of the award has been described by one and all as a timely and befitting tribute to the legendary player, who has contributed immensely to the game of cricket. They said that it was appropriate that after he bid farewell to the game of cricket, the government had taken the initiative to give him the award. On Friday, veteran playback singer Lata Mangeshkar said Tendulkar deserved the Bharat Ratna and added that he could have carried on playing for at least another year. The scope of the Bharat Ratna, which was earlier restricted to the field of "exceptional services in arts, literature and science, and in recognition of public services of the highest order" has been recently expanded to include the performance of the highest order "in any field of human endeavor" which has enabled sportspersons to dream of the honor. Source: News Track India