Political leaders raise in unison to salute Sachin

New Delhi: Cutting across the party lines, the political leaders of the country on Friday hailed the iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on reaching the historic 100th international century in Mirpur during the ongoing Asia Cup.

"You are the pride of India and play more for the country," Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee said in an SMS to Sachin. "Well done Sachin," Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on micro-blogging website twitter.com, minutes after the legendary batsman reached the milestone. Tendulkar has proved that nothing was impossible for a dedicated and devoted player like him, stated Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal. The minister also said this day would be written with golden letters in the history of cricket. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Moment of pride! Heartiest congratulations to Sachin for his 100th century, a historic achievement." Sports Minister Ajay Maken also congratulated Tendulkar, saying it was a big achievement. "Congrats Sachin, a big achievement," Maken wrote in his twitter account. Tendulkar on Friday achieved a rare feat by becoming the first cricketer to accumulate a century of centuries when he tapped a Shakib Al Hasan delivery to fine leg to bring up his maiden ton against Bangladesh in the ongoing four-nation Asia Cup. PTI