Dantewada: In a powerful effort to reclaim joy and resilience in one of India’s most conflict-affected regions, the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), in collaboration with the Mann Deshi Foundation, has launched a transformative grassroots sports initiative titled the Maidan Cup.
The project is aimed at empowering over 10,000 children across 50 villages in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, through structured access to sports.
This initiative, actively supported by the Dantewada district administration under Collectors Mayank Chaturvedi and Kunal Dudawat, is converting barren patches of land into fully functional sports grounds, one maidan at a time.
“Sports can be a powerful agent of change. With the Maidan Cup, we are not just building playgrounds—we’re building futures,” said a spokesperson from the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation.
From Barren Land to Fields of Dreams
The Maidan Cup is more than a tournament – it is a community-led movement. By establishing 50 new sports grounds, it provides children – especially in regions long affected by naxalism – an opportunity to dream beyond boundaries.
- 10,000+ children to benefit directly
- 40% participation from girls, driving gender inclusion
- Crime rates expected to drop by 20% through youth engagement
This grassroots intervention not only promotes physical well-being and life skills but also contributes to broader social transformation by reducing crime, encouraging school attendance, and strengthening community cohesion.
“This is more than sports. It’s a movement to rebuild trust, unity, and hope in Dantewada,” said a representative from the Mann Deshi Foundation.
Sachin Tendulkar Foundation: A Legacy of Empowerment
The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, known for its work in child welfare and sports empowerment, continues to extend its vision into the most underserved communities in India.
By partnering with Mann Deshi Foundation and mobilizing local government and community support, the STF is paving the way for sustainable impact through inclusive sports infrastructure.
As playgrounds rise from the dust of adversity, the Maidan Cup is poised to become a symbol of peace, opportunity, and grassroots resilience in rural India.
