Young athletes share field with Sachin Tendulkar during special visit to SRT10 Altevol Sports Academy
Ahmedabad, May 19
The SRT10 Altevol Centre of Excellence Sports Academy in Ahmedabad witnessed an inspiring and emotionally charged day as cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar spent time with young athletes training at the academy, interacting closely with children, parents, and aspiring cricketers during a special engagement organised at the facility.
Joining the children on the field for cricket activities and informal sessions, Tendulkar encouraged young athletes to embrace discipline, patience, and the joy of learning through sport, according to a release.
His interaction created memorable moments for trainees and families gathered at the academy, many of whom described the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Speaking after the event, Sachin Tendulkar said, "The most important thing for any young child is not where they begin, but whether they are given the opportunity to grow. Over the last few years, I've increasingly felt that India's sporting future will be shaped by how seriously we invest in grassroots ecosystems and encourage children to enjoy sport without fear or pressure. When children step onto a field, they are not just playing a sport, they are learning discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-belief. Seeing the energy and curiosity among these young athletes in Ahmedabad was genuinely heartening, and I hope platforms like these continue to inspire many more children to dream through sport."
The SRT10 Altevol Sports Academy was launched earlier this year as part of the expanding SRT10 ecosystem aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development through professional coaching, fitness infrastructure, and holistic athlete training programmes. This is the second such academy in India, backed by Sachin Tendulkar after the flagship SRT10 Global Academy at DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
Chirag Patel, CEO, SRT10 Altevol Centre of Excellence, said, "Today was a special day for all of us. Sharing the field with Sachin Tendulkar gave the young dreamers a real sense of belief and purpose. His presence brought alive the values this academy stands for: humility, hard work, discipline, and commitment to constant improvement. The energy and excitement we witnessed today will stay with these young athletes for a very long time."
The visit also underlined the growing importance of structured sporting ecosystems in emerging urban centres like Ahmedabad, where increasing access to world-class training and mentorship is helping shape a stronger culture of grassroots sport. The academy's emphasis extends beyond technical skills, focusing equally on confidence-building, discipline, mental resilience, and long-term athlete development.
Parents and children from across Ahmedabad and neighbouring regions attended the interaction, with the event further reinforcing the academy's long-term commitment towards creating meaningful sporting opportunities for young talent across the region.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's great to see sporting legends investing in the next generation. Every child deserves a chance to learn discipline and teamwork through sport, and Sachin's message about 'no fear or pressure' is exactly what kids need. Wish we had similar programs back in my hometown in the US. Kudos to the academy and the parents who brought their children!
Such a wholesome initiative! My nephew is obsessed with cricket and would give anything to meet Sachin Tendulkar. This experience will inspire these kids for life. I do wish such academies were more affordable for middle-class families though. The fees at these centres can be quite steep, and true grassroots development should reach every corner. Still, a wonderful step forward. 😊
I was at the event with my daughter! The atmosphere was electric. Sachin sir didn't just give a speech; he actually bowled to the kids and played a few overs with them. My daughter still hasn't stopped smiling. It's not every day you get to share the field with the God of Cricket. Chaudhary sir's team did a wonderful job organising everything. This is what growing up in Ahmedabad feels like now – pure magic! 🙏
I'm not a huge cricket fan, but stories like this always warm my heart. Athletic development at a young age is crucial for building character, and having someone like Sachin Tendulkar promote it gives kids a real role model. The comment about 'no fear or pressure' really resonates – so many youth sports programs focus too much on winning. Good on you, India.
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