Cricket legend and former captain of the Indian cricket team, Sachin Tendulkar, played an exhibition match with children at the Tribhuvan University grounds in Kirtipur on Saturday. The Tendulkar-led team was up against a side skippered by Binod Das, a former Nepal captain.

Speaking after the exhibition match, Tendulkar highlighted the significance of sports in the development of children. “When it comes to children, I think there is no better platform than a playing field. It need not be a cricket ground, it could be any sport.”

Tendulkar, popularly known as ‘the little master’ or the ‘master blaster’ gave instances from his own childhood, “Today’s match reminded me of my childhood, the freedom I was provided with by my parents to be what I wanted to be in my life. The parents have a major role to play in their children’s growth, they understand their strengths and weaknesses, and support them.” Tendulkar urged the parents not to be harsh with their children, “You got to give them the freedom to fly.”

The 2011 World Cup winner also provided some tips to the young and aspiring cricketers, “The competition should not be with anyone else, the competition should be with yourself. Even the best in the world keeps getting better,” said Tendulkar, who is the first batsman ever to score a double hundred in One-Day Internationals.

“Never look at the watch when you are practicing. Practice until you feel satisfied with yourself and speak with your coaches as it helps them help make you better,” Tendulkar added.

He also urged the young players to always play fair, “It is okay to fail, but it is not okay to cheat.” He advised members of Nepal’s senior women’s team, who attended Saturday’s game, to play fearless cricket.

Tendulkar, who debuted for India in 1989 at the age of 16 said: “Age is just a number. Once you are out in the field, the sport you are in teaches you a lot. You do not get those experiences in the classroom. There is not a dull moment in a team sport...there are a lot of learnings. When children decide to play, they should be encouraged. There should be platforms to help boost their talent.”

Asked how he handled criticism after poor performances, Tendulkar said: “I think it’s a package deal. When you score runs, you get praised and when you don’t, there are people who criticize. I suggest players not to get too attached to such reactions. Lead a balanced life, if you do well, you do not need to celebrate a lot and go over the top. And, when there are disappointments and failures, you don’t need to be depressed either. Focus on finding solutions, don’t focus on problems. If you focus on problems, there will always be problems. Each delivery is a question, focus on answers. If you have solutions, you will keep moving forward.”

As for the critics, Tendulkar said, “Players can take constructive criticisms. When the teams don’t do well, that is when they need the support the most.”

Tendulkar also had a message to convey to other Nepalis: “It is extremely important to be a nice person. It really doesn’t matter if you are very successful, moderately successful or unsuccessful in life. But if you are a nice human being, you are always liked. The most important thing is to be a nice person, help each other and spread the smile around.”

A UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Tendulkar, who holds several cricket records to his name, was in Nepal to mark the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.