Sports Play Vital Role in Keeping Youth Away from Drugs: MLA Sanjay Awasthi

Arki, October 2 – Emphasizing the importance of sports in channelizing the energy of youth, Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi said that the state government is committed to encouraging sports activities to keep youngsters away from drugs. He was addressing the closing ceremony of a two-day sports meet at Soria village in Gram Panchayat Mangu.

Greeting people on the occasion of Vijayadashami, Awasthi said the festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and its values should be embraced in everyday life. He stressed that sports provide a constructive platform for youth, helping them avoid social evils like drug addiction, which not only destroy individual futures but also deprive the nation of youthful strength.

Highlighting government initiatives, Awasthi mentioned that under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s leadership, prize money for Olympic medalists has been significantly increased—₹5 crore for gold, ₹3 crore for silver, and ₹2 crore for bronze winners. Rewards for medalists in Asian and Commonwealth Games have also been enhanced.

On the occasion, Awasthi honored winners of various competitions, including the kabaddi champion team Mashobra (₹10,000), volleyball winner DYC Darlaghat (₹8,000), and individual winners in song, musical chair, and spoon race events.

He further announced ₹5 lakh for the construction of a community hall in Soria, a kabaddi mat for Young Star Yuvak Mandal Soria, and personally contributed ₹21,000 to the club. He assured locals that their developmental demands would be addressed and directed officials for prompt resolution of grievances.