Sachin Tendulkar, India’s cricket legend, who redefined the parameters of batting with his record-breaking feats, has now turned his focus towards fostering young sports talents in other fields. This weekend, he was in Ranchi, not for his accolades in cricket, but to promote and encourage young women footballers – an initiative close to his heart.
Accompanied by his wife, Anjali Tendulkar, the “Master Blaster” arrived in Ranchi on Saturday, committing his time and influence to elevate women’s football in the region. His visit aligns with the work of the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, which collaborates with the Youth Foundation to support budding sportspersons, specifically targeting young women in football. Addressing local media shortly after his arrival, Sachin shared, “I am here for our foundation. We are working in collaboration with the Youth Foundation here to encourage girls playing football.”
Recognized globally as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar’s records speak of a career that many only dream of. In an illustrious career spanning 664 international matches, he amassed 34,357 runs, topping the list of highest run-scorers ever. Besides, his achievements include hundred centuries and 164 half-centuries in international cricket – feats that remain unmatched.
Further cementing his legendary status, he stands as the only player with 100 international centuries and holds the record for the most runs in both ODIs and Tests – with 18,426 and 15,921 runs respectively. Notably, Tendulkar’s prowess wasn’t limited to batting: he has also taken 201 international wickets, proving his versatility and utility as a part-time spin bowler.
Outside his international career, Tendulkar has also left his imprint on the Indian Premier League (IPL), competing in six seasons for Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2013, where he scored 2,334 runs including a hundred and thirteen fifties. His best performance was in the 2010 IPL, where he scored 618 runs in 15 matches, secured the ‘Orange Cap’ for being the tournament’s leading scorer, and led Mumbai Indians to a runners-up finish.
It’s from this background of immense success and influence that Sachin dedicates part of his retirement life fostering other sports. His commitment is not just a gesture but a focused effort to change the narrative around women’s sports in India. Sachin’s presence in Ranchi underscores the potential he sees in these young women, aiming to inspire confidence and professional commitment towards football. His visit is seen as a monumental boost for the local sports community, especially young girls who dream of making it big on the football field.
As thousands of young aspirants and sports enthusiasts lined up to catch a glimpse of this sports icon, Sachin’s message was clear: “Believe in your dreams and work hard to accomplish them,” echoing his career path that many have watched and admired.
For now, Ranchi buzzes with excitement and motivation as the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation lays down significant plans to uplift and transform women’s football in the region. With continued support from such sports titans, the path to professional sports does not seem distant for many young girls in Ranchi and beyond. Sachin’s visit may have been brief, but the imprint he leaves on the young minds is enduring – a testament to his legacy that transcends the boundaries of cricket and ventures into broader horizons of sports.