Sachin Tendulkar, the 'Master Blaster' is one of the most respected cricketers across the globe. Tendulkar's craze was such that he was respected by three generations of family. People tuned him to watch him bat and even turned off their TVs when he departed. Tendulkar's journey from a teenager to a cricketing giant has been nothing short of a dream.
Tendulkar is known for his deeds off the field as well. He never did endorsements for alcohol, cigarette and tobacco companies refusing crores of rupees. Over the decades, before and after hanging his boots, Tendulkar has supported various causes.
Auctioning the bat
Tendulkar's 100th international ton may have ended in a losing cause against Bangladesh but he won hearts by auctioning the bat he scored the hundred with for charity. Over the years, he has auctioned a few bats for charity.
Donation to Australian bushfire victims
Tendulkar picked up the bat again in the exhibition charity game. He ook part in the Big Appeal cricket match and raised funds for relief for victims of the bushfires. He did not feature in the match but played one over. Ellyse Perry and Annable Sutherland bowled to him during the innings break. In addition, he auctioned his bat from 2011 World Cup quarter-final as well.
Supporting the underprivileged students
Through a Mumbai-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Tendulkar sponsors free education for 200 underprivileged kids every year. In addition, he supports students from various schools by sponsoring their stationary materials.
How Sachin helped during Covid-19 times
Tendulkar donated Rs 50 lakh during Covid-19 crisis. Half of the money went to Chief Minister's Relief Fund in Maharashtra whereas the other half was donated to Prime Minister's Cares Fund (PM Cares Fund). In 2021, Tendulkar contributed to 'Mission Oxygen' during the deadly second wave of Covid-19. He donated Rs 1 crore to help raise funds for oxygen concentrators. During Covid-19, he helped 4,000 underprivileged people, including children from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools with an undisclosed amount. In addition, he pledged to beat the cost of feeding 5,000 people for a month in a couple of areas in Mumbai.
No charges for awareness commercials
Tendulkar has appeared in several government awareness commercials like polio. However, he has never charged money for any of these commercials. In 2013, Uttarakhand people suffered massive losses due to devastating floods. He donated Rs 51 lakh to the relief funds to help rehabilitate the victims of the natural calamity.
The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation
The legend also supports various causes via Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF). The foundation works with institutions and municipal hospitals to provide affordable healthcare to underprivileged children. He doesn't only help children get education but helps them identify their talent in different sports.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK: