World Cup triumph the most important moment of my life: Sachin Tendulkar

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar today advised children to work diligently towards achieving their goals and strive to become a good human being.

Tendulkar was here to attend a function at the proposed Shubhadatai Vaidya Memorial Sports Complex of Prabodhan Vidyalaya and Junior College in Amravati district.

The batting maestro, who visited the town perhaps for the first time, was greeted by a cheering crowd.

"I am delighted by your love. Work a lot. Listen to the advice of elders and keep passion for whatever you desire to be in your life," he said.

"It was my childhood dream to play for India and win the World Cup. To realise that dream I toiled consistently. I never gave up and finally achieved it. It took me 22 years to realise it. I succeeded because I kept trying. So, if you want to achieve anything in your life, don't turn your back and try to achieve it till you succeed," he said.

Tendulkar said that winning the World Cup was the most memorable moment of his life.

"That was the day when cricket fans danced and jumped even on my car. That was the first time fans jumped on my car and danced. I enjoyed it. I was greatly delighted, because it was a moment that had given joy to millions of people. I can never forget it."

Tendulkar also talked about his superstition of wearing left pad first and using his favourite bat even if it gets broken.

"I used to take off the handle, add glue, replace the handle and put chairs on it so that it got properly stuck for the next day's play. I used to do it at my hotel room," he said.

"Stay focused on what you wish to achieve. I did the same. I did only those things, which gave me satisfaction. I never indulged in controversies. I had got freedom from home, but it brings with it the responsibility. Don't go for rights alone but accept the responsibilities that come with them," he said.

About his critics, Tendulkar said, "Those who never held a bat in their hands and took a single run used to criticise me. But I answered them with my bat, choosing not to utter a word. I always gave a positive reply through my bat."

Speaking about the importance of having a guru (mentor) in life, Tendulkar said, "Whatever I could play, whatever honours I could win, they were all because of my gurus. The sacrifices they made for my progress were all selfless. It is the guru, who gives you right opportunities, instill confidence in you and provide guidance. If he had not done this for me, I wouldn't have been standing before you today."

Tendulkar also advised the youngsters to plan things and before executing them.

"Learn from the mistakes, but don't repeat them and always play fair. Accept the challenges, because every challenge has something positive. Look for an opportunity in a challenge. Don't get bogged down by it. Focus on your capacity and be a winner," he said.

"By nature I'm not an aggressive person, but when I hold a bat, aggression flows through my veins," he added.

"Life is a book and cricket is one of its chapters. It's not the whole book. So once you have achieved and enjoyed your dream, try to become a good person," he said.