Tendulkar turns Pilot at Air Force Day

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, the first sportsperson to be made honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force on Wednesday in Hindon air base to attended the Air Force Day parade and the at-home function hosted by the IAF chief at his official residence. Donning the IAF uniform, Tendulkar attended both the functions along with his wife Anjali and was seen interacting with senior IAF officers and their families at the gatherings. In the morning, he wore the blue uniform of the force while at the evening function, he was dressed in IAF's 'Dress No 8' summer ceremonial mess uniform. While interacting with Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, Tendulkar told him that he was excited to see the World War vintage 'Tigermoth' aircraft, which was part of the IAF day parade in the morning. Tendulkar was also seen chatting with President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries present on the occasion. The iconic batsman was conferred with the IAF honorary rank of Group Captain to honour his cricketing achievements in 2010 amid much fanfare but he was keeping away from its functions apparently due to his sports commitments. He is the first personality with no aviation background to receive the honour. The rank was conferred on Tendulkar under the provision of granting honorary rank by armed forces to eminent personalities acknowledging their contribution towards the nation. The 41-year-old Mumbaikar retired from international cricket last year in November after playing 200 Test matches.