Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has intensified its anti-drug outreach across the Union Territory by using sports and youth engagement as a key tool to combat substance abuse under the My Youth My Pride initiative and the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan.
Through a sustained ground-level campaign, the Sports Council has organised a wide range of activities involving students, athletes and local communities across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions to promote the message of a healthy and drug-free society.
As part of the campaign, large-scale pledge ceremonies were organised at major sports venues across the Union Territory, witnessing active participation from young athletes and students.
In Jammu division, thousands of students from various sports disciplines participated in the drive and pledged to stay away from drugs and substance abuse. Similar activities were conducted across Kashmir division, where students associated with Kabaddi, Wushu and other sports academies also took anti-drug pledges.
To promote confidence, safety and empowerment among youth, especially women, the Sports Council also organised a week-long self-defence workshop at Government College for Women Srinagar.
The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Women’s Study Centre and the Department of Physical Education and concluded with the certification of trainees.
Officials said the initiative reflects the Sports Council’s broader vision of empowering young women through sports and preventive engagement against harmful social influences.
Under the My Youth My Pride initiative, several sporting competitions have also been organised across Jammu and Kashmir in disciplines including football, volleyball, boxing and indigenous games.
These events witnessed participation from dozens to hundreds of athletes, while spectators also contributed to strengthening the sporting culture across the region.
The Sports Council said professional coaching support through Khelo India Centres has played a significant role in ensuring quality training opportunities for youth, including those living in remote and border areas.
Officials added that the expanding network of Khelo India Centres has emerged as a strong grassroots platform for nurturing sporting talent in disciplines such as taekwondo, wushu, football and gymnastics.
Athletes trained at these centres have secured medals at district, national and international levels, besides representing the region in global competitions and qualifying for the Khelo India Youth Games.
The Sports Council said the initiatives are aimed not only at strengthening sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir but also at engaging youth positively and steering them away from drug abuse and other harmful activities.
