South Andaman, Sept. 2: South Andaman District Police organised a series of sports and awareness activities across the district on the occasion of National Sports Day as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, with the objective of encouraging youth to adopt a healthy, fit and drug-free lifestyle.
The initiative brought together police personnel, local youth and community teams through friendly football and volleyball matches organised at different locations across South Andaman.
Police Stations Chatham, Humfrygunj, Ograbraj, Bambooflat, HutBay and Aberdeen conducted sports activities as part of the initiative. Matches were also organised at Tushnabad, Wimberlygunj and Harbinder Bay in Little Andaman.
At Chatham, Lillypur emerged victorious in the volleyball match, while Manglutan won the competition organised at Humfrygunj.
A volleyball tournament organised by Police Station Aberdeen at Carbyn Cove Beach saw PS Pahargaon secure the winning position, with PS Aberdeen finishing as runners-up.
The sports activities provided local youth with opportunities to participate in constructive recreational activities while also creating an opportunity for interaction between police personnel and members of the community.
Alongside the sporting events, awareness sessions were conducted to highlight the harmful consequences of drug abuse. Participants were sensitised to the physical, mental, social and financial impact of drug use and the risks associated with substance abuse.
The sessions also emphasised the role of sports, education and other positive pursuits in encouraging young people to stay away from drugs and other harmful activities.
The initiative used sports as a platform for both youth engagement and awareness-building. Participation in team sports such as football and volleyball was aimed at encouraging discipline, teamwork and physical fitness while providing young people with constructive avenues for recreation.
The activities also served as an opportunity to strengthen police-public relations. By engaging with youth and community teams outside conventional policing activities, the programme sought to promote greater interaction between the police and local communities.
The initiative was organised under the broader Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which focuses on creating awareness about substance abuse and encouraging communities, particularly young people, to adopt healthier lifestyles.
The South Andaman Police reiterated its focus on proactive community policing, youth engagement and efforts towards a drug-free society through such activities.
The police also urged citizens to share information relating to narcotics with the authorities. Information can be reported through the MANAS Helpline at 1933, the Police Emergency Helpline at 112, or WhatsApp number 9531856080.
The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
The police appealed for collective participation in efforts to prevent drug abuse, stressing the importance of awareness, sports, vigilance and community action in creating a healthier and safer environment.
The sports events across South Andaman, including activities involving local communities in Little Andaman, were therefore positioned not only as National Sports Day programmes but also as part of wider efforts to engage youth in positive activities and reinforce awareness about the consequences of drug abuse.
Through sports, awareness programmes and community interaction, the initiative sought to promote fitness, discipline, teamwork and healthy choices among young people while strengthening engagement between the police and the public.
