Budgam, May 02 (KNO): Amid the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan” spearheaded by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, a young athlete and coach from Budgam has launched a sports academy to support the anti-drug campaign at the grassroots level.
Javaid Ahmad Malik has established "Umar Malik Academy" at Sheikhpora under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life”.
"The academy will provide training to youth in various sports disciplines, including martial arts, wushu, taekwondo, MMA and other games for both boys and girls, to engage them in positive activities and keep them away from drug abuse," Malik said, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said the initiative has been taken to contribute to the ongoing anti-drug drive through sports. Sports, he said, act as a strong platform to channelise the energy of youth in a constructive direction.
“If 10 players are trained here, they can motivate hundreds of others to stay away from drugs, and this chain will continue,” Malik said.
Students enrolled at the academy expressed happiness over the initiative, saying it will not only help them develop skills and fitness but also keep them away from drugs and other negative influences.
Azra Bashir, one of the students, said the academy is not just about games, but about building our future and keeping youth away from bad activities.
Another student said, “We are very happy that our coach has started this academy with such a positive message. It will help us stay focused on sports and away from drugs.”
The move highlights increasing community involvement in strengthening the fight against drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)