Anantnag, Aug 6 (JKNS): Reaffirming the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s commitment to empowering youth through sports and steering them away from the menace of drug abuse, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today inaugurated the Late Legends Memorial Knockout Football Tournament at the Sports Stadium, Anantnag.
The tournament, organised under the inspiring theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports,” witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of football lovers, young athletes, sports enthusiasts, coaches, and members of the local community.
The event paid tribute to the memories of legendary personalities while promoting sportsmanship, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle among the youth.
Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma said that sports have the power to transform lives by instilling discipline, teamwork, perseverance and self-confidence among young people.
He observed that initiatives like the Late Legends Memorial Football Tournament not only nurture sporting talent but also create a positive environment that encourages youth to channel their energy into constructive pursuits.
The Minister said that the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is committed to strengthening the sports ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir by improving infrastructure, creating more competitive opportunities and ensuring that talented sportspersons receive the necessary support to excel at national and international levels.
Highlighting the growing challenge of substance abuse, Satish Sharma said that drug addiction poses a serious threat to society, particularly the younger generation.
He stressed that active participation in sports is one of the most effective ways to protect youth from falling prey to drugs, as it promotes physical fitness, mental resilience and a strong sense of purpose.
“Every playground occupied by our youth is a victory against drugs. Sports build character, inspire discipline and create responsible citizens. We must work collectively to ensure that every young person has access to opportunities that encourage healthy and productive lifestyles,” the Minister said.
He urged parents, teachers, sports associations and civil society organisations to actively motivate children to participate in sports and recreational activities, adding that collective societal efforts are essential to making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.
Satish Sharma appreciated the organisers for dedicating the tournament to the cherished memories of the region’s legends and for using sports as a medium to spread the powerful social message of “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports.”
He said such tournaments not only preserve the legacy of eminent personalities but also inspire young athletes to pursue excellence while contributing positively to society.
The Minister interacted with participating teams, wished them success for the tournament and encouraged them to play with the spirit of fair competition, discipline and mutual respect. He also appreciated the enthusiasm of the youth and expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense sporting talent capable of bringing laurels to the nation.
The inaugural match was played amid great excitement, with spectators cheering the participating teams. The event marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and competitive football tournament aimed at fostering sporting excellence while reinforcing the message of a healthy, drug-free society.
MLAs Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kuloo) and Riyaz Ahmad Khan were also present on the occasion. They appreciated the organisers for promoting sports as a powerful tool for youth engagement and social transformation and encouraged the participating teams to uphold the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
Several prominent citizens, sports officials, coaches, players, youth representatives and members of the local administration were also present on the occasion. (JKNS)
