Ministry wants Bharat Ratna for sports

Sachin Tendulkar's chances of being honoured with the Bharat Ratna got stronger yesterday with Sports Minister Ajay Maken saying he had asked the government to include sports in the criteria for the award.

"Bharat Ratna is given only to those who have done eminent work in the field of art, literature, social service, science and technology. The sports ministry now wants to include sports also," Maken said.