New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Indian sports community expressed deep sorrow over the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday.

As the elections for the Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis were underway, Dy CM Ajit Pawar was en route from Mumbai to Baramati for a public meeting when the incident occurred around 9 a.m., merely an hour after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of Pawar and five others.

Prominent figures such as PT Usha, the chief of the Indian Olympic Association, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were among those who expressed their condolences for the Deputy Chief Minister, affectionately known as 'Dada' and a key player in Maharashtra politics. He also held the presidency of the Maharashtra Olympic Association.

PT Usha remarked on Instagram, "I am shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ji. His absence will be profoundly felt in the sports community, as he was the President of the Maharashtra Olympic Association. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and supporters. Om Shanti."

Sachin Tendulkar shared on X, "It is very sad to hear about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji. Maharashtra has lost a devoted leader who tirelessly worked for the people. May God grant him eternal peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti."

Former Indian cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan expressed, "I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Hon’ble Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in the plane crash. He was a dedicated leader who served the state with commitment and integrity. His legacy in public service and the state’s development will always be cherished."

Pathan added, "During this time of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, supporters, and the entire state. May his soul rest in peace. A thorough investigation into this crash is essential."

Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh stated, "The tragic news of the plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, which resulted in the death of Deputy Chief Minister and National President of NCP, Ajit Pawar Ji, along with several others, is incredibly painful. May God provide peace to the departed souls and strength to their grieving families. Om Shanti!"

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane expressed, "I am saddened by the tragic passing of Ajit Pawar dada. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Former Indian cricket captain and current Minister for Public Enterprises & Minority Welfare in the Telangana Government, Mohammad Azharuddin, shared on X, "I am deeply shaken by the news of Ajit Pawar’s plane crash. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his family gather the strength to cope with this immense loss."

Pawar was a seven-time representative of the Baramati Assembly constituency since 1991, consistently winning by significant margins. His influence was deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s cooperative sector.

He also chaired the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank (PDC) for 16 years, wielding considerable power over sugar cooperatives and milk unions. Throughout his career, he held numerous major ministerial roles in Maharashtra, including Water Resources, Power, and Rural Development, under various Chief Ministers such as Vilasrao Deshmukh, Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan, and Uddhav Thackeray.