RAIPUR: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday visited tribal Dantewada district, interacting with children and backing a sports push in Bastar, a region now seeing a shift from Maoist violence to youth engagement.Tendulkar landed in Jagdalpur with his family before heading to Chhindnar village in Dantewada, where he interacted with tribal children, observed local sporting talent and is expected to step onto the field with them. The visit, officials said, is aimed at strengthening sports culture in remote areas that are steadily emerging from the shadow of Maoist violence.Calling Bastar a region full of “diamonds that need polishing”, Tendulkar said efforts are underway to develop around 50 school playgrounds and provide better sporting infrastructure for children. Talking to reporters at Jagdalpur airport, Tendulkar said, “I am very happy that we have developed around 50 school playgrounds in govt schools.”Through initiatives like the ‘Maidan Cup’, over 5000 children are expected to get a platform to showcase their talent in sports such as cricket, kabaddi, kho-kho, athletics and volleyball, he said.The initiative, supported by Mann Deshi and Sachin Tendulkar foundation working in the district, is also focusing on capacity building.
More than 15 teachers have undergone professional training, while structured coaching is being extended to children in rural and tribal pockets—many of whom are accessing organised sports for the first time.Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the sports facilities were being developed in association with foundations and Sachin ji spending time with the children, inspiring them not just for cricket but also for other sports, makes this effort even more impactful.
“Your arrival in the remote forested region of Dantewada, in Chindnar village, is not merely an inspiring moment, but a powerful picture of a transforming Bastar.
” According to district officials, each playground has been developed at a cost of less than Rs 4 lakh with facilities for 13 sports disciplines in several villages of Dantewada.Scenes at the venue reflected the enthusiasm the visit has generated. Children gathered in large numbers, many clutching cricket bats, as Tendulkar signed autographs and interacted with them.
For several young players, the moment was akin to a dream realised.The visit comes at a time when Bastar is undergoing a visible transition. Once known largely for insurgency, districts like Dantewada are now seeing increased focus on youth engagement, sports infrastructure and education as part of a broader strategy to reshape the region’s identity.From newly built grounds in remote villages to rising participation in local tournaments, the shift is evident. Programmes like the Bastar Olympics and proposals to host national-level tribal games are further reinforcing the region’s sporting ambitions
