Sachin Tendulkar , Now Group Captain of Indian Air Force
The cricket maestro, Sachin Tendulkar will be conferred with the honorary rank of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force. IAF had mooted the proposal in recognition of his glorious achievements as a cricketer under a provision in the armed forces to grant such ranks to eminent personalities. IAF feels his association with the IAF will motivate the younger generation to join the Air Force to serve the country.
Sachin, who is presently not in the country said: "It is indeed a great honour that I have been considered for the honorary rank of Group Captain in the Indian Air Force. As an Indian, I am very proud to be associated with this dynamic force and I shall do my very best to be a brand ambassador".
IAF is conferring the honor after an interval of 20 years. Also Tendulkar is the first sports man to receive the honorary rank. Twenty one persons have been granted the honorary ranks from Flight Lieutenant to Air Marshal. J.R.D. Tata was first made an honorary Group Captain in 1948, promoted as Air Commodore in October 1966 and finally Air Vice Marshal in 1974. Vijaypat Singhania was the last to be granted the honorary rank in October 1990.
Tedulkar has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award, India's second highest civilian award, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour. India's World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev had received the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the Territorial Army in 2008.
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