Legendary batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, who is an honorary Group Captain in the Indian Air Force has given a beautiful tribute to the Armed Forces during the launch of the Marathi version of the book ‘Four Miles to Freedom: Escape from a Pakistani POW camp’ which is based on Indian Air Force Group Captain (Retd) Dilip Parulkar’s inspirational escape from a Prisoner of War Camp in Pakistan. The book has been written by Faith Johnston.

The Marathi version titled ‘Veerbharari’ has been translated by Meena Shete-Sambhu and was launched at the ‘Compliance 10/10’, which is a yearly flagship event of the Legasis Group. Indian badminton coach Pullela Gopichand was also present during the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the former Indian batsman said: “It is truly an honour to be standing on the same dais as seniors from our of the Armed Forces and whatever you do for us, thank you so very much. Gopi (Gopichand), I and other sportsmen, we just represent the nation, you protect the nation.

Talking about the book, Sachin said that Captain Parulkar’s courageous act will inspire every sportsman of the nation.

“This book (Veerbhahari) is a special book and I am sure, I have played cricket in Pakistan and all various other sportsmen have been to Pakistan and completed but this innings played by Captain Parulkar would inspire all the sportsmen to go out there and win matches,” he added.

Tendulkar also launched Izzat which is an initiative to help retired soldiers to get placed in the corporate world, such as technical, logistics, supply chain, telecom, security, healthcare, infrastructure, and engineering. He also launched Whiz Legasis, a portal which will provide legal support service to defence personnel and sportsmen without any cost.