For nearly half a decade, Sachin Tendulkar enthusiasts have been collectively clamouring for conferring the little master with the Bharat Ratna, the highest plaque of acclaim for a civilian.
They upped the tempo in 2011, after the government broadened its guidelines. And sports ministers, present and past, vociferously pitched in for Tendulkar.
But on Friday, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (there is no jury for this award and the PM just has to recommend his name to the president, who has to concur on that), had no qualms whatsoever and sent the recommendation letter to president Pranab Mukherjee, whose approval came on Saturday.
"Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly an outstanding cricketer - a living legend who has inspired millions across the globe. During the last 24 years, since the young age of 16 years, Tendulkar has played cricket across the world and won laurels for our country. He has been a true ambassador of India in the world of sports. His achievements in cricket are unparalleled, the records set by him unmatched, and the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by him exemplary," read the PMO release.