OST Bureau

New Delhi, Nov 16:

Sachin Tendulkar will be the first sportsperson to receive the coveted Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country. This announcement came through a release by the PMO issued moments after the 'God of Cricket' played the last test match of his illustrious career at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai today.

Scientist Professor CNR Rao will be the other recipient of the award which was last conferred five years back - Pandit Bhimsen Joshi in 2008.

Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao, also known as C.N.R. Rao (born 30 June 1934), is an eminent Indian chemist who has worked mainly in solid state and structural chemistry. He currently serves as the Head of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India.