Adding to his lengthy list of accomplishments, cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar has been named a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Mr. Tendulkar – the first player to score 10,000 runs in one-day internationals – will use his massive global popularity to raise awareness and harness support for environmental action in his home country of India and around the world.
“I have played and enjoyed my cricket across the planet. Now it’s also time to do something for the planet, which is our only home,” he said.
“Being part of the effort to save the planet is an immense undertaking but it is a challenge I am ready to undertake. Working with UNEP and cricket fans across the globe, I am in good company. Together we can do it.”
The agency’s Executive Director, Achim Steiner, voiced confidence that Mr. Tendulkar’s “character, personal integrity, intellect and profile will catalyze widespread environmental action.”
With 2010 being the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity, the cricket legend will work with the agency to boost the global and grassroots response to the loss of animal and plant diversity worldwide.
Mr. Tendulkar is no stranger to the work of the UN, having lent his voice to a UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) campaign in India on the importance of personal hygiene
* Tendulkar requests Dalmiya to shave off Eden grass
Kolkata, Feb 13 (PTI) With India facing a must-win situation to retain their numero uno Test status, Sachin Tendulkar today requested CAB chief Jagmohan Dalmiya to mow down the grass on the Eden track ahead of the second and final match against South Africa starting here tomorrow.
According to Cricket Association of Bengal sources, a considerable amount of grass was shaved off from the pitch this evening after Tendulkar requested Dalmiya on behalf of the Indian team.
"Tendulkar spoke to Dalmiya after India's practice today and requested the CAB chief to cut off the grass," claimed the source.
However, Dalmiya's secretary Kunal Ghosh denied any such development.
"Whole day, he (Dalmiya) was busy with the arrangements of the match. There was no question of meeting Tendulkar," Ghosh said.
According to Cricket Association of Bengal sources, a considerable amount of grass was shaved off from the pitch this evening after Tendulkar requested Dalmiya on behalf of the Indian team.
"Tendulkar spoke to Dalmiya after India's practice today and requested the CAB chief to cut off the grass," claimed the source.
However, Dalmiya's secretary Kunal Ghosh denied any such development.
"Whole day, he (Dalmiya) was busy with the arrangements of the match. There was no question of meeting Tendulkar," Ghosh said.
Tendulkar mobbed at Kalighat, returns without praying
Kolkata, Feb 13 : Batting genius Sachin Tendulkar's wish to pray at the famous Kalighat Kali Temple remained unfulfilled Saturday after his car was mobbed by a huge crowd and was forced to turn back.
Tendulkar, who had gone to the temple in south Kolkata after the team’s net session ahead of the second Test against South Africa beginning Sunday, could not alight from his car as hundreds of his fans jostled to come near it.
Failing to make passage for Tendulkar, the escorting policemen did not want to take any risks and asked the driver to turn back.
Tendulkar seemed disappointed but kept a smiling face as he waved to the crowd. On every occasion in Kolkata, Tendulkar has visited Kalighat a day ahead of his match.
Later in the day, VVS Laxman offered prayers at the temple.
* VCA felicitates Tendulkar for 20 years in int'l cricket
Nagpur, Dec 7 (PTI) Vidarbha Cricket Association, which is hosting the opening Test between India and South Africa here, today honoured senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar for his feat of completing two decades in the international arena.
Tendulkar, who had made his Test debut in Karachi against Pakistan in 1989, was presented with a miniature silver bat at the end of the second day's play at the new stadium at Jamtha.
Tendulkar, who had made his Test debut in Karachi against Pakistan in 1989, was presented with a miniature silver bat at the end of the second day's play at the new stadium at Jamtha.
