Maharashtra will urge the central government to confer the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, on master cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said on Friday. "The state government will take up the proposal soon and then we shall forward it for the consideration of the Centre," Chavan told mediapersons here.

He said that Mumbai-born Tendulkar was the most outstanding sportsman and has brought laurels to the country and Maharashtra. The chief minister added that the sportsman was at the pinnacle of the cricketing world with his achievements over the years.

"He has won the hearts of his countrymen, is idolized in the state and is respected the world over. We feel that he richly deserves the honour of a Bharat Ratna," Chavan said.

Two days ago, Sachin created yet another world record by becoming the first cricketer to score 200 runs in a one-day international match.