Gumla District Launches Athletics Competition to Combat Drug Abuse Among Youth
The Gumla district administration and sports department took a significant step on Monday. They organized an athletics meet titled 'Krishna Oraon Smriti Athletics Competition 2025-26'. This event coincided with National Youth Day celebrations across the country.
Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary Inaugurates the Event
Jharkhand High Court Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary inaugurated the athletics competition. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives during his speech. Justice Choudhary stated that sports events serve as powerful tools to encourage positive lifestyles among young people.
"Such a meet is not just a formality," Justice Choudhary declared. "It represents a strong means to encourage youths towards a positive lifestyle." He contrasted the effects of drugs and sports directly. "Nasha propels people towards crimes and spoils life, while sports instils discipline and promotes healthy life," he explained.
District Officials Highlight Sports as Alternative to Drugs
Gumla Deputy Commissioner Prerna Dixit shared her perspective on youth engagement. She stressed the need to channel youthful energy productively. "Youth’s energy must be channelised through sports," DC Dixit asserted. "This approach ensures they don’t indulge in drugs or any other intoxication."
Praveen Kumar, the Gumla district sports officer, elaborated on the benefits. He noted that athletic competitions strengthen both physical and mental well-being. "Such an initiative helps strengthen the physical and mental well-being of boys and girls," Kumar said. "It motivates them to lead a positive lifestyle."
Seventy-Two Young Athletes Participate in Multiple Events
The competition featured seventy-two talented athletes from across Gumla district. Organizers selected thirty-six boys and thirty-six girls from twelve different blocks. All participants belonged to the under-sixteen age group.
This inaugural meet included several track and field events. Athletes competed in the 100 meter, 400 meter, and 800 meter running races. The competition also featured long jump and shot put events.
Winners Receive Cash Prizes and Recognition
Three standout performers emerged victorious in the girls' category. Naina Kumari secured first place in the competition. Sitara Kumari claimed the second position, while Shivani Kumari finished third.
Justice Choudhary presented awards to these winners during the ceremony. He handed out cheques, trophies, and certificates in front of other dignitaries. The first-place winner received forty-eight thousand rupees. The second-place finisher got thirty-six thousand rupees, and the third-place athlete collected twenty-four thousand rupees.
New Court Facility Inaugurated for Sensitive Cases
Justice Choudhary also inaugurated a new facility at the district court premises. This specialized space will record statements from people involved in sensitive legal cases. The inauguration occurred alongside the athletics competition events.
The Gumla district administration organized this athletics meet as part of their broader drug-free youth campaign. They timed the event to align with National Youth Day observances. Officials hope such initiatives will continue to steer young people toward healthy, productive activities.
