In a significant step towards promoting a drug-free society and fostering a culture of health, discipline, and positivity among youth, the Department of Youth Services & Sports Poonch successfully organised cricket matches at the Sports Stadium Poonch under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The event, as per a DYSS statement issued on Tuesday, witnessed enthusiastic participation, with over 110 young athletes from across the district actively taking part.
The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Director General Youth Services & Sports, Anuradha Gupta, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire youth-centric programmes across the Union Territory.
A series of cricket matches were organised, providing a vibrant and inclusive platform for young talent to showcase their skills. These competitions not only promoted sportsmanship but also fostered unity, discipline, and confidence among participants.
Adding a strong social message to the event, all participants collectively took a pledge of
“Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports,” reaffirming their commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. The atmosphere remained energetic and inspiring, reflecting the determination of the youth to contribute towards positive societal change.
Officials highlighted that the primary objective of such initiatives is to steer young individuals away from the dangers of drug abuse and channel their energy into constructive pursuits like sports and education. By engaging youth in meaningful activities, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs while promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social responsibility.
The larger campaign was formally launched on April 11 by Manoj Sinha, marking the beginning of a 100-day intensive drive across Jammu and Kashmir. Since its launch, a series of awareness programmes, sports events, and outreach activities have been conducted at multiple levels to amplify the message of a drug-free society.
At the district level, the smooth execution of the event was ensured under the supervision of Mohammad Qasim, while on-ground coordination and management were efficiently handled by Vijay Kumar, whose dedicated efforts played a key role in the successful organization of the programme.
Officials further emphasised that such initiatives go beyond competitions and form part of a broader mission to bring long-term positive transformation in society.
