Punjab State Inter-District School Games inaugurated

The 69th Punjab State Inter-District School Games (Handball) Under-17 Boys’ competition kicked off today at the Khalsa Collegiate Senior Secondary School, as part of the Punjab Education Department’s ongoing initiative to keep students away from the grip of drug abuse by connecting them with sports.

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh inaugurated the three-day event, alongside District Education Officer Rajesh Kumar Sharma.

In his address to the players, teachers and sports officials gathered from across the state, Rajesh Kumar Sharma highlighted the growing concern over the impact of drug addiction on youth in the state. “For over a decade and a half, a significant number of young people in Punjab have been severely affected by drugs. It is essential we pull them out of this crisis and redirect their energies into sports,” he said. “Punjab’s rich history in sports continues to produce athletes who compete at national and international levels. Through such sports competitions, the Education Department aims to strengthen the physical and mental health of our young students, while also offering a platform to help them stay away from drugs.”

District Sports Coordinator, Ashu Vishal, shared athletes from 23 districts across the state are participating in the Under-17 Boys’ Handball competition, which is being held at Khalsa College’s sports grounds. The final match of the competition is set to take place on November 8.

This initiative is part of the Education Department’s broader strategy to promote youth engagement in positive, health-focused activities as a way to combat the growing drug menace in the state.