The Indian sporting fraternity expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Ajit Pawar, who lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday.
The tragic incident occurred while Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to address a public gathering amid the ongoing Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. According to reports, the aircraft crashed around 9 AM, nearly an hour after it departed from Mumbai, thereby claiming the lives of Pawar and five others on board.
Following the tragedy, several prominent figures from the sports world paid tribute to the late leader. Widely known as ‘Dada’, he also held considerable influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Apart from his political career, Pawar also served as the President of the Maharashtra Olympic Association. Through this role, he contributed significantly to the development of sports in the state.
Tributes from Sporting Icons
India Olympic Association president PT Usha said she was shocked and deeply saddened by his sudden demise.
“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,” PT Usha posted.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also mourned Pawar’s untimely passing, describing him as a committed leader who worked tirelessly for the welfare of 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,” Sachin wrote in a post on X.
अजित पवार यांच्या निधनाची बातमी ऐकून खूप दुःख झाले. महाराष्ट्रासाठी काम करणारा एक चांगला नेता आज आपण अचानक गमावला आहे. पवार कुटुंबियांच्या दुःखात मी सहभागी आहे. ईश्वर त्यांच्या आत्म्यास शांती देवो.
भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली. ॐ शांती. 🙏🏽Very sad to learn about the untimely demise of…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 28, 2026
Former Indian cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan described the incident as heartbreaking. At the same time, he remembered Pawar as a dedicated public servant who worked with integrity.
Yusuf Pathan posted, “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. His contributions to public service and the development of the state will always be remembered.”
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr Ajit Pawar in the tragic plane crash. He was a dedicated leader who served the state with utmost commitment and integrity. His contributions to public service and the development of the…
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) January 28, 2026
Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh also described the news as painful and distressing, writing, “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. May God give peace to the departed souls and strength to the grieving families to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!”
महाराष्ट्र के बारामती में हुई भीषण हवाई जहाज दुर्घटना में महाराष्ट्र के माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री एवं NCP के राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष श्री अजीत पवार जी सहित कई लोगों के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद एवं हृदय विदारक है।
ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्माओं को शांति दें और शोकाकुल परिवारों को इस अपार दुःख को… pic.twitter.com/bPc77OiUI9— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) January 28, 2026
Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane also expressed his grief, stating, “Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. My thoughts are with his family.”
Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. My thoughts are with his family. 🙏
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) January 28, 2026
Former India captain and Telangana minister Mohammed Azharuddin said, “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, and may his family find the strength and courage to endure this profound loss.”
Deeply shaken by the news of Mr. Ajit Pawar’s plane crash. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find the strength and courage to endure this profound loss.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) January 28, 2026
Ajit Pawar represented the Baramati Assembly constituency for seven consecutive terms since 1991, securing decisive victories each time. Over the years, he built his political strength on Maharashtra’s cooperative sector, wherein he played a key role for decades.
Also Read: CM Fadnavis Mourns Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s Untimely Demise
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