"Both Mukesh and I regard him as a founder of the team and there's little doubt he will continue to be with us in a very significant role," she revealed in an exclusive interview.
In fact, the Ambanis want Sachin to be the driving force behind an effort to promote sports at the grassroots level in India as part of their educational mission.
"If you see his work ethic -- even the way he carries his kit bag, for example -- there is a kind of respect (for the game) and integrity that we need to pass on to the next generation," says Nita Ambani.
She has known Sachin for years, first as a self-effacing parent at the Dhirubhai Ambani School, which she founded and heads. But, she says, she is also his "student" in cricket.
"I did not take much interest in cricket till the second season of the IPL, which was played in South Africa. I had the privilege of spending hours with Sachin there, discussing and understanding the game. His understanding of the game is unrivaled," she says.
Ambani says there is a startling similarity between how Sachin and her father-in-law, Dhirubhai, worked their way up to dizzying heights from very humble beginnings.
"Both came from very modest backgrounds and achieved what they did by sheer hard work and discipline. He is a true champion and well and truly epitomizes the Indian dream," she says.
She turns sentimental at the thought of Sachin's farewell Test match at Wankhede Stadium on November 14. "I don't think I will be able to control my tears. But it is a real celebration and as my son Akash says, it is a story for the grandchildren. I will tell everyone I was at the ground when Sachin played his last Test match. No one can stop me from going to the Wankhede to see him grace the cricket field for one final time," she says.
0 comments:
Post a Comment