Sports Key to Keeping Youth Away from Drugs: Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil
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7-A-Side National Football Tournament Concludes in Solan
Solan, June 1, 2025: Colonel Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil, Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Social Justice & Empowerment, and Sainik Welfare, emphasized the crucial role sports play in steering youth away from drug abuse. He was addressing the closing ceremony of the 7-a-side National Football Tournament held at the historic Thodo Ground.
The tournament saw participation from 40 senior and junior teams comprising over 400 players from 16 states across the country. Dr. Shandil said sports not only build physical strength and mental focus but also offer youth a platform to showcase their talents.
He asserted that such sporting events are effective tools to encourage youth to engage in constructive activities and prevent them from falling prey to substance abuse. The minister highlighted the state government’s proactive efforts to promote sports, including increasing the daily allowance for players.
Under the new policy, school-level players participating in intra-state events will receive ₹250 per day, other players ₹400, and ₹500 per day for events outside the state.
In the junior category, Team Hamirpur clinched the first position and was awarded ₹31,000 and a trophy, while runners-up Doon Valley from Nalagarh received ₹21,000 and a trophy.
