J&K Sports Council deploys sport as a frontline tool against drug abuse
Pledge drives, women’s self-defence camps, youth competitions span UT
SRINAGAR, May 09: Through a sustained, ground-level campaign reaching students, athletes, and communities across J&K, the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council has positioned organised sport as a powerful tool in combating substance abuse across the Union Territory.
Over recent weeks, the Sports Council has implemented an intensive calendar of activities under the My Youth My Pride initiative and the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, ensuring participation from both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The outreach reflects a deliberate strategy to engage youth through structured sporting platforms while reinforcing the message of a drug-free society.
Large-scale pledge ceremonies have been conducted at key sports venues, drawing enthusiastic participation from young athletes. In Jammu, thousands of students across all sports disciplines joined the drive and pledged to uphold a drug-free lifestyle. Similar initiatives were held in the Kashmir division, where sports students from Kabaddi, Wush u, and other academies pledged to remain free from drugs and alcohol.
Recognising the importance of confidence and safety in youth development, the Sports Council organised a week-long self-defence workshop at Government College for Women, Srinagar.
Conducted in collaboration with the Women’s Study Centre and the Department of Physical Education, the programme drew significant participation and concluded with the certification of trainees. The initiative highlighted the Council’s broader vision of empowering young women through sport as a preventive measure against vulnerability and harmful influences.
Under My Youth My Pride, competitive events have been held across J&K, featuring disciplines such as football, volleyball, boxing, and indigenous games. Participation ranged from dozens to hundreds of athletes per event, with spectators contributing to a growing sporting culture. Professional coaching support from Khelo India Centres ensured quality training even in remote and border areas.
The expanding network of Khelo India Centres has emerged as the backbone of the grassroots movement, nurturing talent across disciplines including taekwondo, wushu, football, and gymnastics.
Athletes from these centres have secured medals at the district, national, and international levels, including representation in global competitions and qualification for the Khelo India Youth Games, marking significant progress for the region’s sporting ecosystem.
