11/04/2026
*ANANTNAG YOUTH TAKE A STAND AGAINST DRUGS THROUGH YSS SPORTS INITIATIVES*
Taking the lead in promoting the vision of a drug-free society, the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports J&K has been actively organizing a series of sports and awareness programmes under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. In continuation of this initiative, District Anantnag also witnessed a wide range of impactful events across multiple zones including Mattan, Bijbehara, Verinag, Bidder, Achabal, Shangus, and Anantnag, successfully organized a series of Inter-School Cross Country Races and comprehensive anti-drug awareness programmes.
These events witnessed overwhelming participation from students across all age groups, reflecting a strong commitment towards promoting physical fitness, sportsmanship, and a drug-free lifestyle among youth. In Zone Mattan, a Cross-Country Race for Under-14 and Under-17 boys and girls was conducted from Bumzoo Point to Tik Bagh Mattan. In Zone Bijbehara, an Inter-School Zonal Level Cross Country Race for U-14 and U-17 boys was organized from Padshah Bagh to MS Gadiseer. In the U-17 category, Towkeer Bilal secured 1st position, Faisal Hafeez secured 2nd position, while Sahil Rashid, Faizan Gulzar, and Azmat Manzoor clinched 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions respectively. In the U-14 category, Zafran Sartaj, Suzain Javaid, Zeeshan Fayaz, Aayat Rashid, and Imtiyaz Ahmad secured 1st to 5th positions respectively.
In Zone Verinag, a Cross-Country Race for U-14 and U-17 girls was conducted from Feeder Road to Mughal Garden Verinag, where an awareness lecture on drug de-addiction was also delivered. Zone Bidder organized a Cross-Country Race for U-14 and U-17 girls from Club Park Kokernag to Bindoo Forest Nursery.
Similarly, Zone Achabal conducted an Inter-School Cross Country/Road Race from Shelipora Dadth to MS Imoh for both boys and girls. The event was flagged off by senior officials and concluded with prize distribution and motivational guidance.
In addition to sports activities, large-scale anti-drug awareness programmes were conducted across zones. Zone Anantnag organized a district-level awareness campaign and pledge ceremony at the Zonal Physical Education Office, engaging over 40 officials. Zone Shangus also conducted extensive awareness campaigns involving around 220 students and staff. Activities included pledge ceremonies, slogan chanting, and community outreach programmes aimed at educating youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
*Issued By:- DPC Anantnag*
Office of LG, J&K
Youth Services & Sports J&K
Physical Education Foundation of India
Physical Education Foundation of India J&K Chapter
