New Delhi/Dhaka: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh joined the nation and the entire sporting, showbiz and political fraternity in extolling Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Friday for scoring the hundredth century of his international career in Bangladesh.

His much awaited knock came at Mirpur’s Shere Bangla National Stadium in Bangladesh against the home side in an Asia Cup encounter.

“I join the nation in congratulating Sachin Tendulkar on his making history – a hundred centuries. He has made India proud. Tendulkar’s long career has been a triumph of class, character and courage. Wish him many more innings and feats to continue inspiring the youth,” Singh said in a statement.

Indian Sports Minister Ajay Maken tweeted: “Congrats Sachin! A big achievement!”

The entire cricket-fanatic nation that was holding its breath suddenly erupted into celebration as their hero wrote another golden chapter in his career.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi wished him by posting his short message on the Twitter page: “Moment of pride! Heartiest Congratulations to #Sachin for his 100th century, a historic achievement!“

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat congratulated Sachin for scoring his feat.

Lorgat said: “On behalf of every cricket fan around the globe I congratulate Sachin on becoming the first person to score 100 centuries for his country. This is indeed a magnificent feat and not likely to be easily emulated.”

“Fans have admired Sachin for more than twenty years and have recently waited with great expectation for his 100thinternational century,” he said.

“The number 100 is special for a batsman and to record 100 centuries for your country is a massive statement,” he added.

“Like millions of others I have personally followed his career ever since he first played for India as a gifted 16-year-old and now, more than two decades later, his passion and personal records, which include more than 33,000 runs at international level, is a modern day wonder,” he said.

“He is a marvel to cricket lovers around the world and with an array of batting records, Sachin is a true role model who will undoubtedly hold a special place in cricket’s history” said Lorgat.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president N Srinivasan said: “Ever since he made his international debut in November 1989, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar has strode cricketing arenas the world over, like a colossus. He has broken old records and set new benchmarks. He has been an inspiration to billions, and an ornament to the sport.”

“16 March 2012 will never be forgotten by cricket-lovers.On behalf of the BCCI, I would like to congratulate Sachin Tendulkar for completing a century of international centuries,” he said.

Twitter is abuzz with congratulatory messages ever since the ‘Master Blaster’ reached the landmark moment of his career.

“The World Salutes you Sachin for your dedication to the Game. U are an inspiration to one and all. Thank you for being part of our lives,” former Indian Premier League chief Lalit Modi tweeted.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan posted: “India breathes normally ..!! Sachin completes an incredible feat !! A hundred 100's .. Never done before, perhaps never after... God's special creation .. Sachin Tendulkar !!”

Cricket presenter and actor Mandira Bedi tweeted: “100 100s. Who said it doesn't matter! After a huge sigh of relief that its finally happened, life can finally go on! Brilliant.”

Writer Chetan Bhagat remarked: “100 * 100 = 1.2bn sleep in peace. Congrats to sachin!”

Actor Abhisek Bachchan posted: “CONGRATULARIONS SACHIN!!!! @sachin_rt WOW!!!! it's an honor to witness this master play. we're lucky. COME ON INDIA!”

Cricketer Murali Katrik tweeted: “Kudos MASTER,this marathon no one can run.”

Cricketer Aakash Chopra wished Sachin by posting: “Hail the Master :) Tendulkar climbed a mountain, which no human being will ever be able to scale. Take a bow, paji.”

Actor Akshay Kumar wrote on his Twitter page : “Salute to the man who never gave up in spite of all the criticism. Finally he did it. #Sachin creates history in world.”

Industrialist Vijay Mallya congratulated Sachin as he remarked: “Congrats Sachin on 100 International centuries. A glorious World Record never to be beaten.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted on his Twitter site, “Well done #Sachin.”

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar wished Sachin by saying: “Namaskar. Sachin ne aaj phir se itihaas racha hai. Sachin ko meri bahut shubhkamnayein aur badhaai.”

Sachin scored 114 runs in the match by facing 147 deliveries.

He hit 12 boundaries and a six in one of the most memorable innings of his career.

Across India people celebrated bursting fire crackers and many hit the streets.