It was a proud occasion for every India and for that matter for every sports-lover when the iconic cricketer was awarded the Laurens Sporting Moment Award in an illustrious ceremony with a glittering presence of several sports stars, diplomats, business tycoons and celebrities. Sachin hauled by his teammates’ post India’s World Cup triumph in 2011 was considered to be the best sporting moment in the last two decades by the concerned judges.
Tendulkar got the prestigious award supported by millions of fans who voted in favour of him on an online portal. It was a cakewalk for him to get the most number of votes.
Back in 2011, he was playing in the sixth world cup tournament of his career that would be his last. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s enormous sixer off Sri Lankan pacer Kulasekara’s delivery sealed the victory for the team. The whole country was overjoyed with the win. The teammates took Sachin on their shoulders and merrily roamed across the ground, creating an unforgettable moment for not only the sports fraternity but for every sports enthusiast.
The iconic former Australian captain, the legend Steve Waugh handed the regal trophy to Sachin. The winner was announced by another legend, the former tennis star from Germany, Boris Becker, in an illustrious high-profile ceremony.
Sachin was short of words to explain how good it felt to receive the award for such an incredible feat. He particularly stressed on the magical power of sports touching everyone’s life in one way or the other.
Tendulkar succinctly mentioned his long and dedicated cricketing journey that started in 1983 when he was a 10-year old kid. He said that winning the trophy was the proudest moment in his career and lifting it on behalf of the countrymen made him indescribably happy and emotional.
Sachin, the highest run-getter in both ODI and Test history, specifically said that holding the Laurens Trophy was a huge honour for him. In his speech, Tendulkar also mentioned about the visionary impact that legendary world leader Nelson Mandela had on him when he met Mandela at only 19 years of age.
Sachin said in his speech that Mandela’s hardship did not affect his indomitable leadership and insightful humanism that bear an incorrigible relevance. He also singled out a message from Mandela that said the sport has immense power to strongly unite everyone.
Indian fans had responded with jubilation on Twitter and Facebook after the results were out. There were millions of likes and shares across major social media platforms, centring on Sachin receiving the trophy, his speech and also his still photos. Fans felt the trophy also echoed their enthusiasm and constant support for the country.
Tendulkar concluded the speech by thanking the organiser, his team, everyone who attended the programme and above all fans of the Indian cricket team and other sports. He specially thanked the sportspersons who were present thereby acknowledging their significance in inspiring youngsters to choose a sport of their choice and excel. He signed off by saying the trophy belonged to everyone.
