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Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has given lifetime passes to cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly to travel free in AC coaches. Both the cricketers can now travel free with their families in the first class coach.
The lifetime achievement cards were handed over to the duo by Banerjee during a function where Tendulkar was felicitated for completing 20 years in international cricket.
Banerjee said at the programme,"We are giving Sachin lifetime achievement card from the railways. He and his family can now travel free all over India throughout life in AC first class coaches. We are giving similar lifetime achievement card to Sourav also.”
Describing Tendulkar as a "genius" and "champion of champions", the railways minister said, “Players may come, players may go, but Sachin will go on forever."
"The country will forever remember what he has given the country all these 20 years. Congratulation and thanks to Sachin and his friend Sourav for their performance," she added. The function was organised by Bhowanipore club of Kolkata.
"We love Sachin. We love Sachin from our heart," she said.
The Bhowanipore Club football team, which has been promoted to Kolkata first division league, was also felicitated on the occasion. The footballers felt proud to have the company of master-blaster Tendulkar.
Tendulkar praising the footballers said, “For a team playing in the fifth division and to move up to the first division in five years is indeed great. It's a reflection of your hard work and sacrifices.”
Tendulkar about the club’s target is to play in the Kolkata premier division alongside clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan said, "The real challenge starts next year for you. My best wishes to the club. I truly hope and expect a spectacular performance from you".
Tendulkar also congratulated the support staff, saying without them the club would not have achieved what it has. The master batsman said,"I would urge all of you to chase your dreams.”
In great spirits, Tendulkar also muttered "Kemon acho? Bhalo acho? (How are you? Are you well?)" in Bengali. Tendulkar also handed over one of his India jerseys to the club. The cricketing great said, “Please accept my jersey and keep it in the club. Good wishes.”
