"I am extremely proud that I played with the Bharat Ratna (Tendulkar). Certainly he deserves a truly rich award," Kumble told reporters here.
Kumble said Tendulkar's contribution on and off the field have been immense.
He said Tendulkar should be allowed to spend some time with his family, after so much of travelling for the last 24 years, playing cricket.
Kumble expressed regret at not attending the farewell Test of Tendulkar at Wankhede stadium as he was busy with some work related to Karnataka State Cricket Association elections.