JAMMU, Jul 14: Emphasising the transformative role of sports in shaping the future of young people, JKPCC Kissan Congress Chairman Bharat Priye on Monday underscored the need for greater investment in sports infrastructure and youth-centric initiatives to steer the younger generation away from substance abuse. He also appreciated Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s sustained efforts under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan’, describing the campaign as a significant step towards safeguarding the future of the Union Territory’s youth.
Bharat Priye was speaking after attending the final of a cricket tournament organised by Youth Club Pargwal, where he was the Chief Guest. Chowki Officer Pargwal Deepak Choudhary attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Among those present were Suman Deep Singh, Karan Singh, Raju Singh, Pawan Singh, Anil Singh, Mohit Gupta, besides a large gathering of local youth and sports enthusiasts.
Addressing the participants, Bharat Priye said sports have emerged as one of the most effective instruments for promoting discipline, teamwork, self-confidence and healthy lifestyles among young people. He observed that engaging youth in constructive activities such as sports not only nurtures talent but also protects them from the growing threat of drug addiction and other social evils.
Referring to the Lieutenant Governor’s anti-drug campaign, Bharat Priye said LG Manoj Sinha has consistently placed the welfare of youth at the centre of governance by launching and vigorously pursuing the ‘Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan’. He said the campaign has generated widespread awareness against drug abuse while encouraging community participation, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and civil society to work together in creating a drug-free society.
He noted that while strict enforcement against drug traffickers is essential, long-term success depends equally on providing young people with positive avenues for personal growth. “Sports grounds, playgrounds, indoor stadiums, gyms, coaching centres and recreational facilities are not merely infrastructure projects; they are investments in the future of our youth,” he said.
Bharat Priye stressed that modern sports infrastructure should be developed not only in cities but also in rural and border areas, where talented youngsters often lack access to quality facilities and professional coaching. He said equal opportunities for rural youth would help identify sporting talent at the grassroots while encouraging healthy competition and social harmony.
He further called upon the government to strengthen sports academies, organise regular tournaments at village, block and district levels, and create pathways for promising athletes to compete at the state and national levels. Such initiatives, he said, would motivate young people to pursue productive careers and keep them focused on their aspirations.
Congratulating the organisers of the tournament, Bharat Priye appreciated the efforts of Youth Club Pargwal in providing a constructive platform for local youth. He said community-led sporting events play an important role in fostering social cohesion, promoting fitness and creating an environment where young people remain engaged in positive activities.
He also encouraged parents, educational institutions and local organisations to actively support sporting activities and youth development programmes, observing that a collective societal effort is necessary to effectively combat the menace of drugs.
Reiterating his commitment to youth welfare, Bharat Priye said a drug-free, healthy and progressive Jammu & Kashmir can only be realised by combining strong enforcement against narcotics with sustained investment in education, sports, skill development and employment opportunities. “When young minds are empowered with opportunities, they choose dreams over drugs and become partners in building a stronger and more prosperous Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.