Sachin Tendulkar first sportsman to be nominated to Rajya Sabha

Sachin Tendulkar, the master batsman became the first sportsman to be nominated to Rajyasabha in the "having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service" category from sports sector.

The Indian president has approved Sachin Tendulkar's nomination to the Rajya Sabha. Tendulkar was offered a seat in Rajya Sabha's nominated category and he accepted the offer and his name went from the prime minister's office to the home ministry, and then the office of the President, who formally approved the candidature.

Tendulkar will now fill one of 12 reserved seats in the Rajya Sabha nominated in this category. Some of the other popular nominated MPs, who served a six-year term, include the Lata Mangeshkar and MF Husain.