Mumbai: Former cricketers felicitated Ramakant Acherkar - the late coach of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar - after he was conferred with Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian awards. Some of Achrekar's former students attended
the event and expressed their happiness at his being conferred with Padma Shri.
"He has been conferred with Padma Shri, Dronacharya awards; I think he deserves
all this his commitment to the field, his ability to recognise talent, nurture
that talent," said Balwindar Singh Sandhu, cricketer and coach. "If a player came
from a poor family, he used to feed him at his own house, even pay his fees, and
support him. It is because of his commitment that Tendulkar or any other player
has got the chance to play for India," he added. The 78-year-old coach has been
instrumental in grooming some of the country's most renowned cricketers like Vinod
Kambli, Ajit Agarkar, Ramesh Powar along with Sachin Tendulkar. The Padma Shri
awards, announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year, are conferred for
distinguished service in any field. Achrekar will receive the award from President
Pratibha Singh Patil at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
