The Union Home Ministry is looking into Sports Minister Ajay Maken's demand to include sports excellence as an area of recognition for the Bharat Ratna.
According to sources in the ministry, indications towards that end are positive.
"I have received your letter dated 15.4.2011 regarding inclusion of sports as an area of recognition for conferment of Bharat Ratna Award. I am having the matter looked into," Home minister P Chidambaram, said, in reply to Maken's appeal a few days back.
Maken wants batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar to be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian accolade, for his outstanding contribution to cricket.
"I am great fan of Sachin Tendulkar," Maken had told rediff.com in an informal chat last week.
In a recent communication to Chidambaram, Maken wrote: "The undiluted binding effect of sports in our pluralistic society and nation, singularly surpasses any other idea that acts as a cohesive force and nurtures our national pride. It has indeed become one of the most potent tools of involving our youth and citizens away from divisive tendencies.
"It indeed helps our younger generations work towards getting more laurels and medals for the country."
The Bharat Ratna is given for "exceptional service towards advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of public service of the highest order".
Many Members of Parliament have already written to President of India Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to make the necessary changes so that Tendulkar can be bestowed the honour.
