Sports Best Alternative to Keep Youth Away from Drugs: Sanjay Awasthi

15-Day Dumaehar Panchayat-Level Cricket Tournament Concludes

Arki, March 02, 2026 : Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi stated that sports play a vital role in keeping youth physically and mentally fit and also serve as an effective means to steer them away from substance abuse. He was addressing the closing ceremony of the 15-day Dumaehar Panchayat-Level Cricket Tournament organized by Shatabdi Nayak Yuvak Mandal Dumaehar in Arki Assembly constituency.

A total of 32 teams from the region participated in the tournament, showcasing their talent and competitive spirit. Awasthi emphasized that sports instill discipline, teamwork, resilience in victory and defeat, and self-confidence among young people. He added that a good athlete naturally stays away from drugs and prioritizes physical development.

The MLA underlined the need to strengthen sports infrastructure to attract youth towards games. He said the state government is making efforts to improve playgrounds, stadiums, and sports facilities, and announced that a sports academy will soon be established in the Arki Assembly constituency.

Congratulating the organizing committee, he awarded ₹51,000 and a trophy to the winning team Saurav Eleven Ghanagughat, while the runner-up team Luteru Mahadev Eleven Chamyawal received ₹31,000 and a trophy.

He also announced ₹21,000 for Yuvak Mandal Ladi for purchase of equipment, ₹2 lakh for the initial construction of the Ujjwal Gram Sangathan Dumaehar building, ₹50,000 for repair of Mahila Mandal Dumaehar building, and ₹1 lakh from the upcoming budget for expansion of the playground. Approval was also granted for construction of a rain shelter at Kot Suni. Additionally, ₹21,000 was announced from his discretionary fund for the organizing committee.

Awasthi directed the Jal Shakti Department to prepare an estimate for an irrigation scheme for Dumaehar and nearby villages and complete necessary formalities. Earlier, under the ‘Vidhayak Gaon Ke Dwar’ initiative, he heard public grievances at the PWD Rest House Arki and instructed concerned departments for their prompt resolution.