IAF confers honorary Group Captain rank on Tendulkar

Ref : http://beta.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/article482545.ece

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday announced it will confer the rank of Honorary Group Captain to national cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar under the provision to grant such a rank to eminent personalities.

In recognition of his glorious achievement as a cricketer, the IAF had mooted the proposal to bestow an honorary rank and the President of India, in her capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, gave her assent, a Defence Ministry release said here.

Besides the recognition, the IAF said Sachin Tendulkar’s association with the Force will motivate the younger generation to join it and serve the country. Till date the government has granted honorary ranks to 21 persons including noted industrialists and aviation enthusiasts J.R.D. Tata and Vijaipat Singhania.

“I am very proud to be associated with this dynamic force and I shall do my very best to be a brand ambassador for the IAF. I am looking forward to familiarising myself with the Indian Air Force. I once again salute the IAF for this great honour bestowed on me,” Sachin Tendulkar told the IAF, the release said.

Mr. Tendulkar is currently away from India and the IAF plans to hold a special ceremony during which the rank will be conferred.

As per the IAF records, former ruler of Jawhar, Yashwant Rao Patangshah Vikramshah Mukane was the first to be granted the honorary rank of Flight Lieutenant on September 30, 1944. The list includes rulers of a number of erstwhile princely States.

J.R.D Tata was first made an honorary Group Captain in 1948, later promoted as Air Commodore in October 1966 and finally made the honorary Air Vice Marshal in 1974.

Mr. Singhania, was the last to be granted the honorary rank in October 1990 after he flew round-the-globe in a micro-light aircraft.