Cricket Photos

Sportspersons who have turned into politicians

June 04, 2012 10:14

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was finally sworn in as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. President Pratibha Patil had approved the cricket legend's name along with Bollywood actor Rekha, and businesswoman Anu Aga in April for a nominated seat in the Upper House of Parliament. However, Sachin's IPL commitments prevented the batsman from taking his oath earlier even as the other two members were sworn in last month.

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Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was finally sworn in as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha on Monday. President Pratibha Patil had approved the cricket legend's name along with Bollywood actor Rekha, and businesswoman Anu Aga in April for a nominated seat in the Upper House of Parliament. However, Sachin's IPL commitments prevented the batsman from taking his oath earlier even as the other two members were sworn in last month. Here's a look at other sports persons who have ventured into politics.
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Imran Khan: He is the former Pakistan captain and one of the best all-rounders of all times. But Imran Khan's entry into the politics was a natural progression since he was an active social-worker. He founded a party called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf that emphasised on anti-corruption policies. Today he is one of the prominent leaders in Pakistan who supports the idea of democracy in the country.
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Marat Safin: This former World No. 1 tennis player from Russia entered politics after his retirement in 2011. He was elected to the Russian Parliament as a member of President Vladimir Putin's United Russia Party. He represents the Nizhny Novgorod region.
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Eric Cantona: Even though he quit football long ago, he remains King Eric for the Manchester United fans. With the club he won 4 Premier League titles, two League and FA Cup titles. After retirement he entered the world of cinema. Earlier this year, the former French footballer entered into the politics after seeking the necessary signatures to become a candidate in the 2012 vote for president.
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Navjot Singh Sidhu: This motormouth former cricketer took the plunge from TV to politics in 2004. Sidhu won on a BJP ticket from Amritsar in the Indian general elections, 2004. After resigning due to a court case against him, he stood again after the ruling was stayed. He won a by-election with a good majority. In the 2009 general elections, he kept the Amritsar seat.
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Kirti Azad: His father Bhagwath Jha Azad had served as the Chief Minister of Bihar. Kirti Azad joined the political bandwagon after his stint as a cricketer was over. Like his father, he joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Currently he is serving his second term in the Lok Sabha. Earlier he was an MLA from Delhi.
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Mohammad Azharuddin: He was hailed as one of the best Indian captains and a talented wristy batsman until his name popped up in the match-fixing controversy. He was convicted and was handed life-ban. He entered into the politics in 2009 when he contested as a Congress candidate from Moradabad and won the Lok Sabha elections.
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Sanath Jayasuriya: This Sri Lankan opener, also known as Matara Marauder, became the member of Parliament after he won the Sri Lanka general elections in 2010.
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Chetan Chauhan: The former India opener was a BJP MP from Amroha in 1991 and 1998. Later he lost elections, but continues to be a member.
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Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi: Former India captain Late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi had contested on a Congress ticket from Bhopal in 1991 and lost.
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Vindo Kambli: Tendulkar's childhood pal tried his luck in politics and contested on a Lok Bharati Party ticket from Vikhroli, Mumbai. But he lost the elections.

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