New Delhi, Apr 15 (IANS): Sachin Tendulkar's chances of being honoured with the Bharat Ratna got stronger as Sports Minister Ajay Maken said Friday the home ministry would be asked to include sports in the criteria for awarding the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour.
"Bharat Ratna is given only to those who have done eminent work in the field of art, literature, social service, science and technology but sports is not included in it. The sports ministry now wants to include sports also," Maken told reporters.
"And now that we want India to do well in Olympics and other international events, the sportspersons must also be considered for this honour. And if any sportsperson gets Bharat Ratna it would be a matter of pride for all the Indians. We will take up this issue with the home ministry," he said.
The Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1954 and since then has been awarded to 41 personalities.