Dantewada: In a praiseworthy development, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has come forward to help provide better sporting facilities to the youths of violence-ridden Bastar division of Chhattisgarh. The legendary cricketer through his foundation namely ‘Sachin Tendulkar Foundation’ has announced to develop as many as 50 playgrounds/sports complexes in the Maoist-affected Dantewada district.
Around 20 such playgrounds encompassing facilities for 13 separate sports have already come up in the district, marking a significant step towards developing sporting facilities in the area, earlier marred by red terror.
The foundation has been developing these grounds with the help of another Bastar based organisation namely the Man Deshi Foundation, paving way for thousands of athletes, sportspersons hailing from one of the most inaccessible region of the country to help realize their dreams.
As per the details, 50 such sports grounds will come up under the first phase of the project which will be completed by October this year, while 50 other such complexes will be built at separate villages in the final phase.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨 📢
Sachin Tendulkar Foundation will develop 50 playgrounds in Naxal-hit Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. pic.twitter.com/BK2G1AVUd7
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) June 15, 2025
According to officials, work related to the sports grounds are not being allotted to outside contractors and being carried out with the help of local villagers. The administration in collaboration with the foundations are providing, materials, sports equipment and funds. This has been done to attract youths towards sports and ensure their active participation.
The project announced by the foundation highlights the changing scenario in the hinterlands of Bastar, once identical with Maoist terror and inaccessible terrains. This has come amidst the government strengthening the security apparatus along pushing for development works in recent years, paving way for a gradual yet significant change in the Maosit-infested regions.
Sharp dip in Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh
It is to be noted that Maoist activities have reduced significantly in Bastar and other affected-regions of the country in recent years and has now confined to only 18 districts. Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs has also announced the exclusion of Bastar and Kondagon districts of Chhattisgarh from Maoist-affected districts and listed it under the category of district with ‘legacy and thrust’.
“The Naxal (Maoist) activity in Bastar and many regions of India has reduced significantly as a result of carrying out operations against the banned and illegal CPI-M outfit,” said Inspector General (IG) of police, Bastar, P Sundarraj on May 28.
“In terms of Chhattisgarh, 4 districts of Bastar sub-division- Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur, and Kanker were identified as the most affected LWE districts while 3 districts namely Dantewada, Manpur-Mohla and Gariaband were placed under the category of other Maoist-affected districts,” he said.
Bastar Olympics 2024
Notably, the state government in 2024 had also organised the ‘Bastar Olympics’ marking a significant moment for the Maoist-affected southernmost division of the state, encompassing seven districts including Dantewada.
The closing ceremony of the mega sporting event which witnessed participation of over 1.6 lakh individuals was also attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah who termed the event a symbol of peace and development.
“This Bastar Olympics is going to become the identity of all the seven districts… Bastar Olympics will put the last nail in the coffin of Bastar Naxalism (Maoism). Next time, I will come to the 2026 Olympics and say that Bastar has changed,” said the Home Minister at the closing ceremony.
“In the last 10 years, we have fought Naxalism on multiple fronts. Today, there is a 73 per cent reduction in the deaths of security personnel and a 70 per cent decrease in civilian deaths in areas that have been Naxal strongholds since 1973. By March 31, 2026, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from the country,” Shah asserted.
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