Dantewada: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday hailed the visit of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar to the Bastar region, once a Maoist stronghold, saying his tour was a matter of pride for the state and a strong source of inspiration for children and youth.
The Mumbai-based master blaster, a Bharat Ratna awardee, made a rare visit to Dantewada district as part of a grassroots sport’s initiative, three weeks after the CM declared Chhattisgarh as “Naxal-free”.
Sai, in a post on X, said the visit of Tendulkar to Chhindnar village in Dantewada reflects a transformation of the wider Bastar region, moving from fear towards development, opportunity, and confidence.
Sachin Tendulkar’s arrival in Chhindnar village, Dantewada, drew immense excitement as he interacted with tribal children, played tug-of-war, and inaugurated a multi-sports ground. This visit, part of the Maidan Cup initiative, comes just weeks after Chhattisgarh was declared ‘Naxal-free’, marking a symbolic moment in the Bastar region’s transformation. State leaders, including Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, described it as a source of pride and inspiration for the youth.
Launched in 2025, the Maidan Cup aims to build 50 playgrounds across Dantewada using low-cost, community-driven models, with 25 already completed. Facilities for 13 sports disciplines, from athletics to wall climbing, have been added to nurture diverse talents. Supported by the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and Mann Deshi Foundation, the initiative seeks to reclaim childhood and provide alternatives to extremism through structured sports engagement.
Tendulkar emphasised hard work, discipline, and consistent practice as keys to success, alongside wise friendships and good character. He highlighted the importance of strong infrastructure, quality coaching, and participation in multiple sports to build strategic thinking and resilience. His interaction with children, including equal participation by girls, underscored the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity and holistic youth development.
Murals by local children on playground walls and community involvement in building facilities reflect a growing sense of ownership. Dantewada officials noted that the region’s youth have talent capable of achieving national and international recognition if given proper guidance. The Maidan Cup is seen not just as sports infrastructure, but as a cultural movement steering the district from a history of violence towards vitality and unity.
