Group Captain Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar has been conferred Indian Air Force's honorary rank of Group Captain.

Under the provision of grant of honorary rank by Armed Forces to eminent personalities acknowledging their contribution towards the nation, the President and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India conferred Tendulkar the honorary rank of Group Captain of the Indian Air Force.

Earlier the Air Force had said that besides the recognition, Sachin's association with the IAF will motivate the younger generation to join the Air Force to serve the country.

After getting the honorary rank, the master batsman said, "it was a dream come true".

Tendulkar is the first sportsperson to be conferred this honour. He is also the first person with no aviation background to have got this honour.

Tendulkar will function like a brand ambassador, and is expected to inspire many young men and women to join the air force. He is the first sportsperson to be conferred a rank by IAF and the first personality with no aviation background to receive the honour.

The Air Force says that in recent months, Tendulkar has been trained in basic military practices and drills.