Budgam, Oct 12 (KNO): Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Central Kashmir Range, Rajiv Omprakash Pande on Monday said that engaging youth in sports activities and promoting healthy sporting culture play a crucial role in combating drug abuse.
Addressing the closing ceremony of J&K Police Cricket Tournament organised by Budgam Police at Shaheed Aga Syed Mehdi Memorial Sports Stadium here, the DIG, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Sports activities provide a significant boost to youth engagement and help keep young people away from drug addiction. Our objective is to provide them with a platform through which they can participate in different sporting activities”
DIG Pande said, “I congratulate Budgam Police for organising the tournament under the Civic Action Programme. Organizers have done a wonderful job.”
He said around 16 teams participated in the tournament, adding that such initiatives provide a platform for young people to showcase their sporting talent and channel their energy into constructive activities.
DIG Pande said J&K Police would continue to organise sporting events to encourage youth participation and strengthen the culture of sports across the region.
He said the police department would organise various events, including cricket tournaments, marathons, cycling races and other sports activities, to encourage greater participation among young people.
He also appealed to people from different villages to participate in district-level sporting events, saying public participation was essential for making such initiatives more effective.
100-DAY NASHA MUKT ABHIYAAN
Referring to the recently held Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan, Pande said the 100-day campaign was aimed at expanding awareness and encouraging collective action against drug abuse.
He called upon parents, educational institutions and civil society to cooperate with police in identifying individuals affected by drug addiction and facilitating appropriate support and rehabilitation measures.
DIG Pande also stressed the need to identify and take action against those involved in the drug trade, adding that combating substance abuse required coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies, families and society.
Congratulating the winning team, he thanked all participating players and teams for their involvement and expressed hope that more young people would take part in future sporting initiatives organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The DIG was accompanied by SSP Budgam Hariprasad K.K., IPS, ASP Budgam Sajad Hussain Bukhari, DSP Headquarters Budgam Sajad Ahmad, DSP Dr Ghulam Mohiuddin and SHO Budgam Touseef Lone.
The final match witnessed a huge gathering of spectators and cricket enthusiasts, who turned up in large numbers to support the participating teams.
The tournament concluded with Zoorigund defeating Waterwani in the final to lift the title. The event was organised by Budgam Police to promote sportsmanship, teamwork and positive engagement among youth—(KNO)