Mann Deshi Champions is an initiative to empower women to make their own choices and to be celebrated as equal and valuable members of their families and communities

Recently the four female athletes from the Mann Deshi Foundation programme got an opportunity to meet India`s cricket idol Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai. Athletes along with their two coaches were full of joy to meet their sporting idol. Several questions were asked by the athletes to Tendulkar regarding his career, diet and fitness journey

In December 2023, the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation collaborated with the Mann Deshi Foundation. Tendulkar`s Foundation provides financial support to youngsters in rural India with sports facilities to nurture their physical, mental and social health

The legendary cricketer was accompanied by his wife Anjali Tendulkar. Sachin also enquired about the girl`s training routine. Looking at their dedication, Tendulkar appreciated their efforts of training twice a day, once before attending school in the morning and then in the evening after school. The foundation also provides these youngsters with healthy and nutritious food after their training

All the four athletes were from rural areas of Satara. Vaishnavi Sawant who is from Pulkoti is currently pursuing MA. She won gold, silver and bronze medals in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the national level. Arya Kale from Jambhulani won a bronze medal in the 2000-meter race. She is an eighth-grade student. Arati Babar participated in 5 and 10-km races at the State level. She is currently pursuing a BA. Payal Bhosale clinched a silver medal in the 600-meter race at the District level. Arati and Payal are both from Dokamoda