Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of veteran cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar and said his demise is as a “big loss” to the sporting world.
“Shri Ramakant Achrekar Ji was a shining beacon of the Guru Parampara. An outstanding mentor, he groomed cricketing talent for years and the gems he trained went on to bring immense glory to the nation. His passing away is a big loss to the sporting world. My condolences,” PMO tweeted.
The BCCI expressed its deepest sympathy on the passing of Achrekar.
“The BCCI expresses its deepest sympathy on the passing of Dronacharya award-winning guru Shri Ramakant Achrekar. Not only did he produce great cricketers, but also trained them to be fine human beings. His contribution to Indian Cricket has been immense,” BCCI tweeted.
Sachin Tendulkar and MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday arrived at the residence of cricket coach Ramakant Achrekar who passed away yesterday, to attend his last rites.
Ramakant Achrekar, who trained legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar and his friend Vinod Kambli, among others passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai. He was 87.
Achrekar was honoured with a Padma Shri in 2010 and Dronacharya Award in 1990,
Ramakant Achrekar was born in 1932 and played a key role in shaping up Tendulkar’s career over the years.
Commenting on Ramakant Achrekar’s death, Sachin Tendulkar said in a statement on twitter: “Cricket in heaven will be enriched with the presence of Achrekar sir. Like many of his students, I learnt my ABCD of cricket under Sir’s guidance. His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words. He built the foundation that I stand on.”
“Last month, I met Sir along with some of his students and spent some time together. We shared a laugh as we remembered the old times,” Tendulkar said.
Tendulkar further said, “Achrekar sir taught us the virtues of playing straight and living straight.”
“Thank you for making us a part of your life and enriching us with your coaching manual. Well played Sir and may you coach more wherever you are,” he added.
