Pulwama, Feb 17 : Former Legendary International Cricketer, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, reached popular tourist destination of Kashmir, Gulmarg, before paying obeisance at the historic Surya Mandir Martand Mattan in Anantnag and visiting MJ Sports bat manufacturing factory at Chersoo Pulwama during his valley visit on Saturday.
The master blaster visited MJ Sports bat manufacturing factory near toll plaza at Chersoo area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The owner of MJS bat manufacturing unit, Javid Ahmad Paray, informed Rising Kashmir that Sachin spent some time at his industry before having tea along with his wife, daughter and other companions at his house.
According to Javid, Sachin wished to see the Kashmir willow bat manufacturing process which drew him to their factory.
“Sachin appreciated our willow bats and advised us to maintain the quality,” Javid said, adding that they gifted the cricketing legend a couple of willow bats as a souvenir.
“We also get a bat signed by Sachin,” he said, adding that they have been in the bat manufacturing business for the past 22 years and Sachin’s visit has boosted their morale to excel in the profession.
Sachin’s visit at MJ sports factory thrilled the owners, workers and locals.
Police and civil administrators too showed their excitement on different social media platforms.
“Dream come true for me, meeting my favourite, the greatest of all time, the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar,” Mumtaz Ali Bhatti, Superintendent of Police for Awantipora, wrote on X.
Bhatti along with other policemen were escorting Sachin during his visit to MJ Sports bat manufacturing factory at Chersoo near Awantipora.
“Master Blaster, the god of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar blessed bat factory Chersoo Awantipora Pulwama (M/S MJ Sports) with a visit. Inspiration par,” Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Basharat Qayoom, wrote on X.
At Gulmarg, Sachin wished all the best to the Sports Council of Jammu and Kashmir for the Khelo India Winter Games of this season.
“The 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games will begin here from 21 and run till 25 February,” Sachin told media, adding that many athletes will be in competition with one another in the event.
He advised the participating athletes to enjoy the sport and play it in the fairest possible manner.
“I know this is a competition and everybody wants to win. Try to play in the fairest possible manner so that you can carry the lifelong memories,” he said, adding that sports teach many a lot of things in life.
Sachin said that he learnt a lot of things in life by playing cricket for many years and wished the players to experience the same thing.
