The Indian Cricket Master Blaster Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar received Honorary Group Captain of the Indian Air Force (I.A.F.). Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal P V Naik conferred the Group Captain Rank to Sachin Tendulkar at New Delhi on 3rd September, 2010 (Friday). The proposal to confer the master blaster with the honorary rank was approved by the President on May 20. The IAF has, till date, conferred honorary rank on 17 personalities.

Sachin Tendulkar is the first sportsperson in India, who received the Group Captain Rank. The Great Indian all rounder Kapil dev was received the Lieutenant Colonel of the Territorial Army In 2008.

The President and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India is pleased to confer Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar the honorary rank of Group Captain of the Indian Air Force. Mr. Tendulkar had not been involved in any controversy. Like the IAF, he has single minded devotion to duty, dedication and perseverance and courage under adversity. — IAF Chief P.V. Naik

“It has indeed been a dream come true to get honoured by the IAF [Indian Air Force] and be a part of the great air warrior family. From the most crucial challenge of defending the nation from any external aggression to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at times of crisis, the Air Force has always played its role with competence,” — Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Air Force Experience

“I had the privilege of getting into an Impala fighter plane in 1996 in South Africa. I have never spoken about this before but I was really scared when they were briefing me about ejection procedures. I thought I would eject out of the plane with broken elbows,” said Tendulkar, looking dapper in his IAF uniform.

Tendulkar said as a teenager he was fascinated by Tom Cruise in his role as a fighter pilot in the Hollywood blockbuster, Top Gun. But he added that the closest he came to copying Cruise was wearing aviator sunglasses. “I would really want to fly in a Sukhoi-30 and understand how tough it is for our fighter pilots,” he said.

The IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Naik said the IAF too was looking forward to putting Tendulkar on his favourite plane. “We will then pin wings on his uniform,” said and hoped that the icon’s appointment as IAF officer would inspire India’s youth to join the service.

Video on Presentation of Group Captain Rank of the Indian Air Force to Sachin

“I want to urge the youth of India to join the IAF as it is one of the best ways to serve the country. Chase your dreams because dreams do come true.” — Sachin Tendulkar