NEW DELHI, Oct 17: India’s President and Prime Minister on Thursday led a grateful nation in paying glowing tributes to record-smashing batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

“I am extremely delighted and proud that you have reached the pinnacle of achievement in cricket today by becoming the highest run-getter in Tests,” President Pratibha Patil said in a message to Tendulkar.

“You have given joy to millions of Indians and I am sure you will continue to set new standards of achievement in the future.”

Tendulkar, 35, broke retired West Indies captain Brian Lara’s record of 11,953 runs when he reached 15 on the opening day of the second Test against Australia in Mohali.“I congratulate Tendulkar on becoming the highest run-scorer in Test cricket,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. “Tendulkar is truly worthy of the mantle of the greatest run-scorer in Tests. I have been following his cricket and there is no doubt that he is a genius.”

Former India star Chandu Borde, who was the team’s manager when Tendulkar made his Test debut aged 16 on the tour of Pakistan in 1989, said he was delighted at the achievement.

“His career has been the most followed one in the cricketing fraternity,” stated Borde. “It seems records chased him and not the other way round.

“His career has been a fantastic example for all to understand that hard work always pays. His concentration and dedication is a lesson for others to follow.

“Despite all these achievements, he is such a humble person by nature and a great help to youngsters. Just by watching him in action, youngsters round the world can learn a lot.”

Another former great, Gundappa Vishwanath, hoped Tendulkar would continue to play for a few more years.

“He still has a couple of years of Test cricket left in him,” said Vishwanath. “He richly deserves all the accolades as he is a truly committed cricketer. Like every Indian at this moment, I am proud of his achievements.”

Tendulkar’s first coach Ramakant Achrekar said he had been “expecting the record for a long time.”

“To be where he is today, it takes lots of sacrifices and commitment and I hope he continues to entertain cricket lovers round the globe,” added Achrekar.

—AFP