Indian Sports Community Grieves Loss of Ajit Pawar in Tragic Aviation Accident
The Indian sports fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar. The veteran politician, along with five others, lost his life in a devastating plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The unfortunate incident occurred around 9 a.m., approximately one hour after the aircraft took off from Mumbai. Ajit Pawar was traveling to his hometown of Baramati to attend a crucial public meeting amid ongoing elections for Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. The sudden tragedy has sent shockwaves through political and sporting circles across Maharashtra and beyond.
Sports Leaders Pay Heartfelt Tributes
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha expressed profound sorrow on social media, stating: "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."
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar shared his condolences on X, writing: "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."
Widespread Condolences from Sporting Icons
Former Indian cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan emphasized Pawar's contributions, saying: "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 further called for a thorough investigation into the crash circumstances.
Olympic medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh expressed his anguish: "The news of the tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, resulting in the death of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and National President of NCP, Ajit Pawar Ji, along with many others, is extremely painful and heart-wrenching."
Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane shared his sorrow: "Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. My thoughts are with his family."
Former Indian cricket captain and Telangana Minister Mohammed Azharuddin posted: "Deeply shaken by the news of Ajit Pawar's plane crash. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Ajit Pawar's Political Legacy and Sports Involvement
Popularly known as 'Dada' across Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar was a dominant political force who represented the Baramati Assembly constituency for seven consecutive terms since 1991, consistently winning by substantial margins. His political foundation was deeply rooted in Maharashtra's cooperative sector, where he wielded significant influence.
Beyond politics, Pawar made substantial contributions to sports administration as the President of the Maharashtra Olympic Association. He also served as chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank for sixteen years and maintained considerable sway over sugar cooperatives and milk unions throughout the state.
During his extensive political career, Ajit Pawar held nearly every major ministerial portfolio in Maharashtra, including:
- Water Resources
- Power Department
- Rural Development
He served under multiple chief ministers including Vilasrao Deshmukh, Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, and Uddhav Thackeray, demonstrating his enduring political relevance and administrative experience.
The sudden loss of this influential leader has created a significant void in both Maharashtra's political landscape and sports administration, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the nation.
