KATHUA, MARCH 26: With a focused approach to engage youth in constructive activities and strengthen sports culture at the grassroots level, District Administration Kathua, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, today organised volleyball matches across all 19 blocks of the district under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The initiative, held on the direction of Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Sharma, is aimed at reaching youth in rural and far-flung areas where access to structured recreational avenues often remains 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 witnessed enthusiastic participation of youth across all blocks.
The DC Rajesh Sharma said 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 such initiatives to build a healthier and more aware society. “The initiative is part of our continuous efforts to promote a drug-free lifestyle by integrating sports into daily life, especially in rural landscapes where such interventions can have a transformative community impact”, he added.
Over 500 youth participated in the matches and also took the Nasha Mukt pledge.
All Zonal Physical Education Officers ensured smooth conduct of the events in their respective jurisdictions.
Earlier, sports infrastructure including volleyball poles, nets and volleyballs had been distributed across all 19 blocks to facilitate sustained sporting activities under the campaign.