Inspiring Gen Next more important to me

Port of Spain, Mar 16 (UNI) Indian Maestro Sachin Tendulkar today played down the ''rivalry'' between him and West Indian great Brian Lara, emphasising that the role he and his dear friend played in inspiring the next generation to take to the game is more important than statistics.

Asked about his ''rivalry'' with Lara, Tendulkar was at pains to point out the close ties he shared with his friend.

''I'm glad that we have both been able to give everyone lots of years of cricket. We both have a very high regard for each other, and are very, very good friends.

''That's what matters to us. I think the way we have inspired the next generation is more important than any number of records and runs scored,'' Tendulkar said on the sidelines of a visit to a Port of Spain suburb aimed at creating awareness among teenagers about the risks of HIV.

Recently, Australia captain Ricky Ponting tipped Master Blaster Tendulkar ahead of the Caribbean star Lara as the best batsman in the world among his contemporaries.

Ponting, though, admitted that Lara could prove to be the greatest danger at the World Cup in the Caribbean but said it was Tendulkar who would edge out the rest because of his ''complete technique.'' ''Lara and Tendulkar are the two best batsmen I have played against. I have rated Sachin slightly ahead because technically I thought he was a bit tighter, but Lara on his day is probably more damaging,'' the 'Punter' had said.

Giving more attention on the job at hand, Tendulkar said, ''We are here to play cricket and World Cup is the biggest stage for the Game, let us get going with it.'' However, he did not forget to add that ''other things will follow later.'' UNI