Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar became India's first active sportsperson to be sworn in as a member of parliament on Monday.
In a surprising move, the world's highest Test run scorer was nominated to the upper house, the Rajya Sabha by chairman by Hamid Ansari.
The batsman became the first to reach 100 international centuries earlier this year.
Top honour: Sachin Tendulkar is congratulated by a number of Indian dignitaries
Making it official:Tendulkar signs the oath book as India's Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V. Narayanasamy watches
'In the last 22 years of my international career, cricket has given me so much and I also wanted to give something back to cricket in the latter half of my life,' Tendulkar said on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's official website.
'Today with the nomination, I am in a better position not only to help cricket but also other sports. It means a lot to me. I will try to help other sports.
'But I believe there will be a few obstacles along the way, and I will need from my fellow parliamentarians, the administrators, media and our countrymen. Together we can make a lot of changes.'
Making his mark: Tendulkar is sworn into Parliament in New Delhi
New role: Tendulkar speaks to the media after taking oath at the Indian parliament
Tendulkar was accompanied by his wife Anjali, and Indian Premier League chairman and MP Rajiv Shukla
Of the 250 members in the Rajya Sabha, 12 are nominated by the president for 'special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service.'
The soft-spoken cricketer has previously been considered for the Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian honour.
Notable personalities from literature, art and social services have been nominated before, but Tendulkar is the first sportsman to enter the upper house via a nominated seat.
Journey of a lifetime: Tendulkar with his wife Anjali arrives at the Indian parliament
