Anantnag, Aug 6: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Thursday inaugurated the Late Legends Memorial Knockout Football Tournament at the Sports Stadium, Anantnag, reaffirming the Jammu and Kashmir Government's commitment to empowering youth through sports and combating drug abuse.

Organised under the theme "Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports," the tournament brought together football enthusiasts, young athletes, coaches and members of the local community while paying tribute to the region's legendary personalities and promoting a healthy lifestyle among the youth.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the government is implementing a focused strategy to engage young people in sports and steer them away from the growing menace of drug addiction.
"Sports have the power to transform lives by instilling discipline, teamwork, perseverance and self-confidence. Every playground occupied by our youth is a victory against drugs," Sharma said.
He emphasized that sporting events not only nurture talent but also provide constructive avenues for youth to channel their energy, build character and become responsible citizens.
Highlighting the government's commitment to sports development, Sharma said efforts are underway to strengthen sports infrastructure, create more competitive opportunities and provide talented athletes with the support needed to excel at the national and international levels.
Expressing concern over the increasing threat of substance abuse, the Minister described drug addiction as a serious challenge confronting society, particularly the younger generation.
"Active participation in sports promotes physical fitness, mental resilience and a sense of purpose, making it one of the most effective tools to protect youth from drug abuse," he said.
Sharma called upon parents, teachers, sports associations and civil society organisations to encourage children to actively participate in sports and recreational activities, stressing that collective efforts are essential to building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister also lauded the organisers for dedicating the tournament to the memories of the region's legendary personalities while using sports as a platform to spread the message of "Say No to Drugs, Yes to Sports."
He interacted with the participating teams, wished them success in the tournament and urged the players to uphold the values of fair play, discipline and mutual respect throughout the competition.
The inaugural match marked the beginning of the knockout tournament, which aims to promote sporting excellence while reinforcing the message of a healthy and drug-free society.
MLAs Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kuloo) and Riyaz Ahmad Khan, along with sports officials, coaches, players, youth representatives, prominent citizens and local administration officers, were present on the occasion.