KATHUA, MARCH 26: With a focused approach to engage youth in constructive activities and strengthen sports culture at the grassroots level, the Kathua District Administration, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, organized volleyball matches across all 19 blocks of the district today as part of the "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan" (Drug-Free India Campaign).
This initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, aims to reach youth in rural and remote areas where access to structured recreational activities is often limited. By taking sports activities to village-level institutions and panchayat areas, the administration seeks to provide a positive platform for youth engagement and deter them from falling prey to substance abuse.
Implemented by the Department of Youth Services and Sports Kathua under the supervision of District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Sunil Singh Sambyal, the matches saw enthusiastic participation from youth across all blocks.
DC Rajesh Sharma stated that the administration is adopting a community-driven approach by involving local institutions and youth at the block level, ensuring sustained participation and ownership of these initiatives to build a healthier and more aware society. "This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to promote a drug-free lifestyle by integrating sports into daily life, especially in rural areas, where such interventions can have a transformative impact on the community," he added.
Over 500 youth participated in the matches and also took the "Nasha Mukt" (Drug-Free) pledge.
All Zonal Physical Education Officers ensured the smooth conduct of the events in their respective jurisdictions.
Previously, sports infrastructure, including volleyball poles, nets, and volleyballs, had been distributed across all 19 blocks to facilitate sustained sporting activities under the campaign.