Originally in The Hindu, 3/17/2002

Honour for Gavaskar

Washington Oct. 16. Sunil Gavaskar has been honoured by the University of Massachusetts' Centre for Indic Studies for his "unparallelled service to India as a cricketer."

At a function held recently to mark the anniversary of the centre, the little master was presented with a plaque of recognition, which read "for your unparallelled service to India as a cricketer and in sincere appreciation of your dedicated and professional work in uplifting the image of India throughout the world.

"Your extraordinary efforts are a source of inspiration to youth in India, in the Indian diaspora, and all over the cricket community," the plaque said.

The Chancellor, Jean F. MacCormack, who presented the plaque, compared Gavaskar with the U.S. sporting greats, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretsky and Pete Sampras.

Speaking on the occasion, Gavaskar, who amassed over 10,000 runs in 125 Tests, termed every bowler he faced as the best in business.

"If I were taking credit for 10,000 runs then I have to consider all the bowlers to be the best."

 Last Updated On: 3/29/06