Sachin Enjoys Playing with Children in Dantewada, Once a Naxal-Affected Region

Dantewada (Chhattisgarh): In a region once heavily affected by Maoist Naxal activity, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar spent time playing with children during a special event on Wednesday, inspiring them to pursue sports.

The event was organized under the Maidan Cup initiative by government departments with the aim of bringing grassroots transformation in sports in the region. Tendulkar arrived at Jagdalpur Airport before heading to Chhindnar village in Dantewada, where the program was held. The Maidan Cup competition is being conducted with the support of the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and the Mann Deshi Foundation, with participation from over 5,000 children. The event features sports such as kabaddi, kho-kho, athletics, and volleyball.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Tendulkar said, “I am very happy that under the Maidan Cup initiative, we have been able to develop around 50 school playgrounds. The Mann Deshi team is doing commendable work here.”

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Dantewada was once considered a stronghold of Maoist insurgents. In 2010, a major incident in the nearby Sukma district, where 76 security personnel were killed, marked a turning point, after which gradual transformation began in the region. Efforts to curb Naxalism intensified during the tenure of Narendra Modi’s government, leading to significant progress.