Saturday, November 16, 2013

Sachin's Farewell speech

Sachin Tendulkar's emmotional speech:

"Friends please settle down, I'll get more emotional!
It's hard to believe my wonderful journey is
coming to an end. I've a list of names to thank. The
first is my father, who passed away in 1999.
Without his guidance I wouldn't be standing in
front of you. he said 'chase your dreams, don't give up, the path will be difficult.' I miss him today.
My mom, I don't know how she managed a
naughty child like me. She just prayed and prayed
from the day I started playing the game. For four
years I stayed with my uncle and aunt when in
school, they treated me like their own son. My eldest brother Nitin doesn't like to talk ,much but
he said, whatever you do, I know you will give
100%. My first cricket bat was presented to me by
my sister Savita. She still continues to fast while I
bat. Ajit my brother - We have lived this dream
together, he sacrificed his career for me, he took me to Achrekar sir first. Even last night he called me
to discuss my dismissal. Even when I'm not playing
we will still be discussing technique. If that hadn't
happened, I would have been a lesser cricketer.
"The most beautiful thing happened to me when I
met Anjali in 1990. I know that being a doctor there was a big career in front of her. But she
decides that I should continue playing and she
took care of the children. Thanks for bearing with
me for all the nonsense I've said (Anjali wipes
tears). Then the two precious diamonds of my life
Sara and Arjun. I've missed out on several birthdays, holidays. I know for 14-16 years I've
not spent enough time with you. But I promise you
I will spend the next 16.
"My inlaws - I've discussed several things with
them. The most important thing they did was allow
me to marry Anjali. In the last 24 years my friends have made terrific contributions. They have been
with me while I was stressed. They have been
with me even at 3am when I was injured. Thanks
for being there for me.
"My career started when I was 11. I was extremely
delighted to see Achrekar sir in the stands. I used to ride on his scooter and play two matches a day.
Sir took me along to make sure I played. On a
lighter note, Sir never said 'well played' because he
didn't want me to be complacent. You can push
your luck now, Sir, since I'm not playing cricker
anymore. "I started my career here in Mumbai. I remember
landing from NZ at 4am and playing a Ranji game
the next day. The BCCI was fantastic from my
debut. Thanks to the selectors. You were right with
me making sure my treatment was taken care of.
"Thanks to all the senior cricketers who have played with me. We see on the screen Rahul, VVS,
Sourav, Anil who is not here. All the coaches. I
know when MS presented the 200th Test cap, I
had a message to the team - I said we are all so
proud to be representing the nation. I hope to
continue to serve the nation with dignity. I have full faith that you will serve the country in the right
spirit.
I will be failing in my duty if I didn't thank the
doctors who have kept me fit. Given the injuries I
have suffered. They have treated me in odd hours.
My dear friend the late Mark Mascarenhas. I miss him. My current management team WSG, for
continuing what Mark has done. Someone who
has worked closely with me for 14 years is my
friend Vinay Nayudu.
"The media has backed me a lot, since my school
days. Even today. Thank you. Thanks to the photographers for capturing those moments.
"I know my speech has become long. I want to
thank people who have flown in from different
parts of the world. I want to thank my fans from
the bottom of my heart. "Sachin, Sachin" will
reverberate in my years till I stop breathing."