ANANTNAG: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology Satish Sharma on Thursday inaugurated the Late Legends Memorial Knockout Football Tournament at the Sports Stadium, Anantnag, saying the Jammu and Kashmir government is promoting sports as a means to empower youth and combat drug abuse.
Organised under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports,” the tournament drew football enthusiasts, young players, coaches, sports officials and members of the local community. The event is dedicated to the memory of prominent personalities from the region while promoting sportsmanship, discipline and healthy living among the youth.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma said sports have the power to transform lives by instilling discipline, teamwork, perseverance and self-confidence. He said tournaments such as the Late Legends Memorial Football Tournament provide a platform to identify and nurture sporting talent while encouraging young people to channel their energy into constructive activities.
The minister said the government is focusing on strengthening sports infrastructure, creating more competitive opportunities and extending support to talented athletes to help them compete successfully at the national and international levels.
Highlighting the growing challenge of substance abuse, Sharma said drug addiction poses a serious threat, particularly to the younger generation. He said active participation in sports is one of the most effective ways to prevent youth from falling prey to drugs, as it promotes physical fitness, mental resilience and a sense of purpose.
“Every playground occupied by our youth is a victory against drugs. Sports build character, inspire discipline and create responsible citizens,” the minister said, urging parents, teachers, sports associations and civil society organisations to encourage children to participate in sports and recreational activities.
He said collective efforts are essential to achieving the goal of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir and emphasised that community participation is crucial in steering young people towards healthy and productive lifestyles.
Sharma also appreciated the organisers for dedicating the tournament to the memory of the region’s sporting legends and using the event to spread awareness against drug abuse. He said such initiatives not only preserve the legacy of eminent personalities but also inspire young athletes to pursue excellence and contribute positively to society.
The minister interacted with participating teams, wished them success in the tournament and encouraged them to uphold the values of fair play, discipline and mutual respect throughout the competition.
The inaugural match marked the beginning of the knockout tournament, which aims to promote football while reinforcing the message of a healthy and drug-free society.
MLAs Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kuloo) and Riyaz Ahmad Khan were present on the occasion, along with sports officials, coaches, players, youth representatives, prominent citizens and local administration officials.
