Chavan's first act - letter congratulating Tendulkar

Mumbai, Nov 7 (IANS) After assuming office as Maharashtra's chief minister, Ashok Chavan's first official duty Saturday was signing a congratulatory letter to India's cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar for his record of 17,000 runs in one day international cricket.

In a letter to the Mumbai-based player, Chavan said: "Your record has raised the stature of Maharashtra and India and we are all proud of you."

Expressing his best wishes to Sachin, Chavan said that he felt a special thrill while affixing his signature on the letter, according to an aide.

Sachin's record feat came in a match between India and Australia in Hyderabad Thursday.