Tendulkar delivers maiden RS speech on Twitter

New Delhi [India], December 22 (ANI): After being denied an opportunity to speak in the Rajya Sabha, legendary cricketer and nominated Member of Parliament Sachin Tendulkar on Friday took to social media to share what he had planned to deliver in the Parliament.

Tendulkar, a Bharat Ratna winner, was supposed to make his debut speech in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, but the House was abruptly adjourned due to the opposition, denying him a chance to speak.

However, the 'God of Cricket' posted a video on Twitter to promote a sporting culture in India and place emphasis on fitness in the country.

"Being a sportsman I want to talk about sports, health and fitness of India, for it has a telling impact on our economy. My vision is of a healthy and fit India," Tendulkar began saying in the video.

"We need to transform India form sport loving country to sport playing country," he added.

Recalling facts, the 44-year-old reminded that the country is the diabetic capital of the world with over 75 million people affected by this disease and is also ranked at third when it comes to obesity.

Tendulkar said, "We must build a sporting culture in our country otherwise, a young, unfit unhealthy is a recipe for disaster."

"The economic burden of disease will not allow our nation to progress," he added.

The Master Blaster lauded the vibrant culture of sports in the north east of India which has just four percent of the country's population but has produced many sporting icons including boxer Mary Kom, weightlifter Mirabai Chanu and footballer Bhaichung Bhutia among others.

He said, "Along with smart cities we should look at building smart sport cities."

"At a policy level, sport should be at par with any other subjects in schools. Children representing schools and colleges at various levels should be given marks and grades," Tendulkar added.

The former Indian cricket-star also emphasised that equal encouragement should be given to daughters and sons to excel in sports.

Addressing Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Tendulkar appealed to him to include all international medallists in the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

Citing examples of elite athletes, he talked about the plight which players go through with health issues.

He called on the government to include all international sportspersons in the list of players eligible for CGHS facilities so that the national heroes can live respectable lives.

He also appealed to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to ensure funds for the development of sports infrastructure in the country.

Tendulkar was nominated to Rajya Sabha in June 2012. Often criticised for poor attendance in Parliament, he had moved a Short Discussion Motion on the future of sports in India but the ruckus disrupted him from speaking on the crucial issue. (ANI)