Srinagar, Oct 15 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Police will organise 240 district-level sporting events this year, up from 144 last year, as part of its efforts to engage youth and steer them away from drug abuse, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat said on Thursday.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of Jashn-e-Dal 2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Prabhat, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said channelising the energy of young people into constructive activities was important in tackling the drug menace and narco-terrorism.
The DGP said sports were an important part of the police's civic action and public outreach programmes and helped promote discipline, teamwork and social harmony.
“Last year, we organised 144 sporting events with the support of the Government of India, while 240 events are being conducted this year at the district level,” he said.
Prabhat said sports taught people to face uncertainty, overcome fears and push beyond their physical and mental limitations.
He expressed hope that sustained efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan would help protect young people from drug abuse. He also stressed the need to counter Pakistan-sponsored terror networks.
Highlighting the police's Bharat Darshan initiative, Prabhat said 1,789 children were sent on tours last year, while the number had increased to 2,000 this year.
He said the recently organised Run for Unity drew more than 6,000 participants.
Praising participants of Jashn-e-Dal 2026, the DGP said water sports and policing shared qualities such as discipline, coordination, teamwork, courage and the ability to perform under pressure.
He also lauded J&K Police athletes for winning medals at national and international events.
Prabhat said the police would continue to promote sports and create opportunities for young people across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)