OVER 6,000 PARTICIPATE IN RUN FOR UNITY; BHARAT DARSHAN TARGET RAISED TO 2,000 CHILDREN
Sports, civic engagement to promote discipline, teamwork and fitness; police intensify efforts to steer youth away from drug abuse and criminal networks
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 15 :
Jammu and Kashmir Police will organise 240 district-level sports events across the Union Territory during the current year to encourage youth participation, identify emerging sporting talent and channelise young people’s energy towards constructive and productive activities, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat said on Thursday.
Addressing a gathering at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, the DGP underscored the importance of sports in strengthening police-public relations, promoting a healthy lifestyle and engaging young people in positive social initiatives.
According to news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), Prabhat said Jammu and Kashmir Police had organised 144 sports events last year, while more than 6,000 participants took part in the recently held Run for Unity, highlighting the growing role of sporting activities in fostering community participation, physical fitness and social cohesion.
SPORTS TO BUILD DISCIPLINE, TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP
Highlighting the common values shared by sports and policing, the DGP said both fields demand discipline, coordination, teamwork, courage and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
“Sports and policing demand utmost discipline, coordination, a humongous amount of teamwork, the ability to perform under pressure, courage to face uncertainty and, most importantly, the determination to fight for your goals and perform beyond your physical and mental boundaries,” Prabhat said.
He emphasised that participation in sports helps young people develop self-confidence, resilience, leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility while providing them with a constructive platform to showcase their abilities.
The proposed sporting activities are expected to provide greater opportunities for youth across districts to participate in organised competitions and develop their potential in different sporting disciplines.
SPORTS-BASED OUTREACH TO SUPPORT ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS
The DGP stressed that engaging young people in sports and other constructive activities is an important component of Jammu and Kashmir Police’s broader efforts to combat drug abuse and protect youth from the influence of criminal networks and narco-terrorism.
Referring to the government-backed Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, he called for sustained initiatives that encourage young people to adopt healthy lifestyles and remain actively involved in positive community activities.
Prabhat expressed confidence that continued youth engagement, combined with coordinated law-enforcement measures, would help address the challenges posed by drug trafficking, substance abuse and criminal networks.
He observed that the productive utilisation of young people’s energy has a direct bearing on the social well-being, quality of life and overall prosperity of society.
BHARAT DARSHAN TARGET INCREASED TO 2,000 CHILDREN
In another significant youth-oriented initiative, Prabhat said 1,789 children were sent on Bharat Darshan last year, while the target for the current year has been increased to 2,000 children.
The programme provides children with an opportunity to visit different parts of the country, explore its rich cultural diversity and gain first-hand exposure to its social and historical heritage.
The initiative also aims to promote national integration, encourage interaction among communities and strengthen understanding of India’s diverse traditions and shared values.
By expanding the programme’s reach, Jammu and Kashmir Police intends to provide more children with opportunities to broaden their outlook and develop a deeper appreciation of the country’s cultural and geographical diversity.
J&K POLICE SPORTSPERSONS EARN RECOGNITION
Highlighting the achievements of police athletes, the DGP praised the sporting contributions of Jammu and Kashmir Police, particularly its Central Sports Team, which is part of the J&K Armed Police.
He said police sportspersons had continued to demonstrate their abilities at national and international competitions, winning medals and bringing recognition to Jammu and Kashmir in various sporting disciplines.
Prabhat also acknowledged the contribution of police officers and personnel who organise competitions and support initiatives aimed at identifying, training and nurturing sporting talent across the Union Territory.
He said these efforts reflect the department’s commitment to promoting sports not only within its ranks but also among the wider public, particularly young people.
POLICE VOWS TO EXPAND SPORTS ACTIVITIES ACROSS J&K
Assuring participants, sportspersons and other distinguished guests of continued support, the DGP said Jammu and Kashmir Police would further strengthen its sports promotion initiatives and create additional opportunities for young people to participate in organised sporting activities.
“To our distinguished guests, including the civilians and sports persons who are here today, let me assure you that J&K Police will continue its endeavour to promote sports more and more,” he said.
The proposed 240 district-level sports events are intended to strengthen grassroots participation, encourage emerging athletes and reinforce police-community engagement across Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative also forms part of the department’s wider civic action efforts to promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and social responsibility while addressing challenges such as drug abuse through sustained youth engagement.
With sports promotion, Bharat Darshan and community outreach forming key components of its youth-focused initiatives, Jammu and Kashmir Police aims to provide young people with more constructive opportunities to develop their abilities and contribute positively to society.