Tendulkar's coach Ramakant Acherkar facilitated

Mumbai, Mar. 17 (ANI): Former cricketers felicitated Ramakant Acherkar - the former coach of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar - after he was conferred with Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian awards.

Some of Achrekar's former students attended the event and expressed their happiness at his being conferred with Padma Shri.

"He has been conferred with Padma Shri, Dronacharya awards; I think he deserves all this his commitment to the field, his ability to recognise talent, nurture that talent," said Balwindar Singh Sandhu, cricketer and coach.

"If a player came from a poor family, he used to feed him at his own house, even pay his fees, and support him. It is because of his commitment that Tendulkar or any other player has got the chance to play for India," he added.

The 78-year-old coach has been instrumental in grooming some of the country's most renowned cricketers like Vinod Kambli, Ajit Agarkar, Ramesh Powar along with Sachin Tendulkar.

The Padma Shri awards, announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year, are conferred for distinguished service in any field.

Achrekar will receive the award from President Pratibha Singh Patil at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan. (ANI)