“Rest in Peace, Ajit Dada”: PV Sindhu, Sachin Tendulkar react as sports world grieves Ajit Pawar’s death

Several sports personalities expressed shock and grief following the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who reportedly died in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday.

According to reports, Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public meeting amid the ongoing elections to the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. The crash occurred around 9 a.m., about an hour after the aircraft took off from Mumbai, and claimed the lives of Pawar and five others.

Advertisement

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was among the first to pay tribute, saying she now regrets not visiting Baramati despite Pawar inviting her on multiple occasions.

“Rest in peace, Ajit Dada. I had the privilege of meeting you many times, and every time I was struck by your discipline, your work ethic, and the love you had for your people,” Sindhu wrote in a post on X.

“You often told me, ‘Come to my Baramati.’ I kept thinking there would be time. I never imagined I’d regret not coming like this,” she added.

Sindhu also extended condolences to the families of those who died in the crash.

“My deepest condolences to the families of Captain Shambhavi Pathak, Captain Sumit Kapoor, Pinky Mali, and PSO Videep Jadhav. So many lives lost. So many families shattered. May God give everyone strength to get through this,” she wrote.

Ajit Pawar represented the Baramati Assembly constituency for seven consecutive terms since 1991, winning by massive margins each time. His political influence was deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s cooperative sector. He was also elected president of the Maharashtra Olympic Committee for the 2025–29 term.

Pawar served as chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank (PDC) for 16 years and held considerable influence over sugar cooperatives and milk unions in the state.

India Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha also expressed her grief, highlighting Pawar’s contributions to sports administration.

“Shocked & saddened by the sudden passing away of Deputy CM of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar ji. His absence will be felt in sports, as he served as the President of Maharashtra Olympic Association. My heartfelt condolences with his family, friends and supporters. Om Shanti,” Usha shared on Instagram.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar mourned Pawar’s death, calling him a dedicated leader who worked for the people of Maharashtra.

“Very sad to learn about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji. Maharashtra has lost a dedicated leader who worked for the people across the state. May God grant his soul peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

Former India cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan also paid tribute while calling for an investigation into the incident.

“Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar in the tragic plane crash. He was a dedicated leader who served the state with utmost commitment and integrity,” Pathan posted.

“In this moment of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, followers, and the people of the state. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. There should be a proper investigation into this crash,” he added.

Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh termed the incident “extremely painful and heart-wrenching,” offering prayers for the departed and strength for the grieving families.

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane also expressed condolences, writing, “Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dada. My thoughts are with his family.”

Ajit Pawar had held several major ministerial portfolios in Maharashtra, including Water Resources, Power, and Rural Development, serving under multiple Chief Ministers such as Vilasrao Deshmukh, Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray and others.