Sporting wave sweeps districts, backs Nasha Mukt mission

From packed playgrounds to buzzing race tracks, a sweeping sporting wave is energising districts as youth take centre stage in the fight against drug abuse.

Under the Nasha Mukt mission, activities, as per a DYSS statement issued on Wednesday across Kishtwar, Anantnag Budgam and other districts, are blending competition with awareness, as runs, matches and community events channel young energy into fitness, discipline and a shared commitment to a drug-free society.

In a major step towards promoting fitness, youth engagement and drug-free communities, the Department of Youth Services & Sports Kishtwar organised a series of activities under the Fit India Initiatives as part of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Bharat Abhiyan 100 Days Campaign, carrying the message “Choose Sports Not Drugs” across all zones of District Kishtwar.

The district-wide campaign was conducted under the direction of Director General Youth Services & Sports J&K, Anuradha Gupta (JKAS), and District Development Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), under the supervision of DYSSO Kishtwar, Jaffer Haider Sheikh, along with the active coordination of all Zonal Physical Education Officers (ZPEOs).

A wide range of activities, including fitness drives, awareness rallies, sports competitions, yoga sessions, pledge ceremonies, community outreach programmes and motivational interactions were organised in different zones to spread awareness among youth regarding the harmful effects of drug abuse and the positive role of sports in building a healthy lifestyle. 

Students, field staff, teachers and local communities participated enthusiastically in the campaign, reaffirming the commitment to making Kishtwar physically fit and socially aware.

The slogan “Choose Sports Not Drugs” echoed throughout the events, inspiring participants to channel their energy towards constructive and disciplined pursuits.

The initiative reflected the Department’s continued commitment towards realising the vision of a healthy, drug-free and empowered society through sports, fitness and youth participation. The campaign concluded with a strong message that collective efforts through sports can play a transformative role in building a Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir.

In a separate statement, DYSS said that the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, through the District Youth Services & Sports Office Anantnag, successfully organised a Cross-Country Road Race from Sarnal Point to Sports Stadium Mattan. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across various institutions. Prior to the flag-off, a Nasha Mukt pledge was administered to all participants and officials, reinforcing the commitment towards a drug-free society.

The race was conducted in a spirited atmosphere, highlighting endurance, discipline, and sportsmanship among the young athletes.

In the Under-19 Girls category, Ruksana Tabasum of HSS Mattan secured the 1st position, followed by Shameema Akhter of HSS Salia in 2nd position, while Arbeena Khan, also from HSS Mattan, clinched the 3rd position.

Other positions were secured by Sehrish (HSS Salia) at 4th, Shahida (HSS Salia) at 5th, Mareeha (GHSS Ranibagh) at 6th, Simran (HSS Salia) at 7th, Muskan (GHSS Ranibagh) at 8th, Zeeshana (GHSS Ranibagh) at 9th, and Afreen (C. HSS Dialgam) at 10th position.

In the Under-17 Girls category, Toiba Suhail of GHSS Qazigund secured the 1st position, while Lubna Suhail, also from GHSS Qazigund, secured the 2nd position. Bisma Jan of GMS Sangam finished at the 3rd position.

The remaining positions were secured by Aayat (GHS Verinag) at 4th, Sania (HSS Qammar) at 5th, Rukaya (GHSS Sallar) at 6th, Sabiya (SRJ Khanabal) at 7th, Navida (HS Hillar) at 8th, Asira (HS Hutmurah) at 9th, and Shameena (GHSS Qammar) at 10th position. At the conclusion of the event, certificates, trophies, and medals were distributed among the merit holders.