Kolkata, Dec 23 (IANS) Cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly were Wednesday given lifetime passes by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to travel free in air-conditioned first class coaches with their families.
Banerjee handed over to the duo lifetime achievement cards at a function where Tendulkar was felicitated for completing 20 years in international cricket.

“We are giving Sachin lifetime achievement card from the railways. He and his family can now travel free all over India throughout life in AC first class coaches. We are giving similar lifetime achievement card to Sourav also,” Banerjee said at the programme.

Describing Tendulkar as a “genius” and “champion of champions”, the railways minister said: “Players may come, players may go, but Sachin will go on for ever.”

“The country will forever remember what he has given the country all these 20 years. Congratulation and thanks to Sachin and his friend Sourav for their performance,” she said to tumultuous applause at the Bhowanipore club, which organised the function.

“We love Sachin. We love Sachin from our heart,” she said.

The Bhowanipore Club football team, which has moved up to the Kolkata first division league, was also feted on the occasion. It was a proud moment for the footballers as Tendulkar posed for a group photo with them.

“For a team playing in the fifth division and to move up to the first division in five years is indeed great. It’s a reflection of your hard work and sacrifices,” Tendulkar said.

Hearing that the team’s target is to play in the Kolkata premier division alongside clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, Tendulkar said: “The real challenge starts next year for you. My best wishes to the club. I truly hope and expect a spectacular performance from you”.

Tendulkar also congratulated the support staff, saying without them the club would not have achieved what it has.

“I would urge all of you to chase your dreams,” the master batsman said.

In great spirits, Tendulkar also muttered “Kemon acho? Bhalo acho? (How are you? Are you well?)” in Bengali.

Tendulkar also handed over one of his India jerseys to the club.

“Please accept my jersey and keep it in the club. Good wishes,” said the cricketing great.