Should Sachin Tendulkar Await Bharat Ratna? - Yes the sources say so. It is said The three names that the Sports Ministry has forwarded to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to be considered for the first Bharat Ratna for a sportsman are those of hockey legend Dhyanchand, Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra and the man who first conquered Mt Everest, Tenzing Norgay.The Chess Federation had also recommended Vishwanathan Anand's name, but the Sports Ministry said that they did not receive Anand's recommendation from the Chess Federation till last night, hence his name has not been forwarded.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not proposed Sachin's name, it has suggested that the Sports Ministry make that recommendation. See in awards like these, individuals make their recommendations, and then the government panel makes the final decision. When Sachin got a Padma Shri, or Padma Bhushan, or Padma Vibushan, then also BCCI didn't give any names. The decision was taken in the same way - individuals write in and then government on its part, takes a decision. BCCI doesn't give any names for this, BCCI just writes in for the Arjuna award," said BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla.

The changes were brought about after Sports Minister Ajay Maken wrote to the Home Ministry last year. Mr Maken, when asked who he thought should be the first sportsman to get a Bharat Ratna, had said that Dhyanchand or Tendulkar would be his pick. There has been much clamour over the last few years for a Bharat Ratna for Sachin, India's most prolific run-getter.