NEW DELHI, 16 March 2012 - India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led an outpouring of praise for master batsman Sachin Tendulkar after he completed a century of international centuries during the Asia Cup game against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday.
"I join the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar on his making history — a hundred centuries," Singh said in a message within minutes of Tendulkar reaching the milestone. "He has made India proud. Tendulkar's long career has been a triumph of class, character and courage. Wish him many more innings and feats to continue inspiring the youth."
International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat, Indian cricket board chief Narainswamy Srinivasan and other cricket luminaries also congratulated Tendulkar for the unprecedented feat.
Tendulkar scored 114 for his 49th ODI century to add to his tally of 51 in tests.
Lorgat termed Tendulkar's unprecedented feat "a massive statement" and called the batsman a "marvel" for cricket lovers.
"On behalf of every cricket fan around the globe I congratulate Sachin on becoming the first person to score 100 centuries for his country," Lorgat said in a statement. "This is indeed a magnificent feat and not likely to be easily emulated."
Srinivasan said this day would not be forgotten by cricket fans.
"Ever since he made his international debut in November 1989, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar has strode cricketing arenas the world over, like a colossus," Srinivasan said in a statement. "He has broken old records and set new benchmarks. He has been an inspiration to billions, and an ornament to the sport."
Indian great Sunil Gavaskar praised Tendulkar for his focus.
"He has got an inquisitive mind, a mind that is prepared to learn," Gavaskar said during his commentary for the match. "Tendulkar always looks to score, is never satisfied and always hungry for runs. His approach, focus and concentration is incredible."
Chief India selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was the captain when Tendulkar made his international debut, said playing international cricket for 23 years was an achievement in itself.
"It (100 centuries) is a feat that is incomparable in any form of cricket and unparalleled in the history of the game," Srikkanth told the Press Trust of India. "I do not deny that Sachin had missed a number of centuries being in 90s but his effort in achieving the glorious feat itself speaks volumes about him."
India opener Virender Sehwag, who is not playing in the Asia Cup due to an injury, tweeted: "Congratulations ! It's a small thing for you but a phenomenal historic achievement. "Dinner's on me when we meet. Many more !"
Former allrounder Mohinder Amarnath said it was a special day for Indian cricket and the country was lucky to have Tendulkar.
"His passion, determination and dedication to the game is admirable. It's not easy to have played for 23 years at the international level in these times," Amarnath told PTI.
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