Keeping his promise to meet Para cricketer Amir Hussain Lone while on a holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, former Indian cricketer and legend Sachin Tendulkar created a heart-warming moment on Saturday by inviting Amir to his hotel room and spoke to him.
Tendulkar also gifted the Jammu and Kashmir Para cricket team captain an autographed bat.
For those who do not know, Lone lost both of his arms in an accident at the age of eight and now bowls with his feet and uses his neck and shoulders to bat. He has faced and overcome huge challenges to chase his passion to become a cricket player and now captain of the J&K para cricket team.
Impressed by Lone's determination and his passion for cricket, as well as his dream to meet him and receive a jersey with his name, a touched Tendulkar decided to meet Amir Hussain during his family trip to Kashmir.
On meeting Sachin, a thrilled Amir humbly touched Sachin’s feet and told him: “Sir, I am so happy to meet you. I have lived my life so far with a lot of hope. I have always dreamt about playing cricket. Slowly and step-by-step, I nurtured this dream; started learning the nuances of the game, reached college and got selected for the J&K para cricket team. I played my first international game in 2013, but I still say and believe that where I am today in this sport is solely because of my admiration for you as a cricketer and person. You are my inspiration.”
Folding his hands in appreciation for Amir’s warm words, Tendulkar told him: “What you have achieved in life and as a sportsman is next to impossible. That’s why I asked you at the beginning of our conversation how old were you when you had this unfortunate accident; I think you told me you were eight-years-old right? For an eight-year-old child to face such a tragedy and so many challenges thereafter; is like a mental trauma. To overcome that feeling and those circumstances, and to be an inspiration for others to follow, is a very big achievement. I don’t thinkyou are even aware of what you have achieved.”
An emotional Amir broke down on hearing these warm words from the Indian batting maestro, prompting Tendulkar to get up and console him.
Tendulkar then told Amir to stay as he was in his seat and not turn around, adding that he had something to give him. Tendulkar then gave him an autographed bat with the message: “To Amir, the real hero, keep inspiring! It was a pleasure meeting you." Tendulkar then patted him on the back and embraced him.
Amir then demonstrated how he uses his feet and neck to lift the cricket bat and position it for play. He and Tendulkar essayed a forward defence play together.
Amir informed Tendulkar that his wife and son had also come. Tendulkar invited them to his room and gave another bat to Amir’s son and asked him to play to his heart’s content.
Thereafter a group photograph was taken with Tendulkar.
Tendulkar had earlier posted on X: "And Amir has made the impossible possible. I am so touched watching this (video of Amir)! Shows how much love and dedication he has for the game. Hope I get to meet him one day and get a jersey with his name. Well done for inspiring millions who are passionate about playing the sport?"