Magician FC win anti-drug football tourney
Campaign promotes sport as a tool to combat drug abuse among youth
The Anti-Chitta Awareness 7-a-Side Football Tournament, organised with the support of the Mandi district administration to promote the campaign against drug abuse, concluded at the Paddal Ground yesterday with an exciting final in which Magician FC defeated Napoleon FC 4-3 to lift the championship trophy.
The tournament was organised as part of the district’s ongoing “Chitta Mukt Mandi – Nasha Mukt Himachal” campaign, aimed at encouraging young people to take up sport and adopt healthy lifestyles while raising awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.
The closing ceremony was attended by Divisional Commissioner Dr R.K. Pruthi as the chief guest. He presented the championship trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 to Magician FC, while runners-up Napoleon FC received the runners-up trophy and a cash award of Rs. 15,000. Outstanding performers were also honoured with mementoes and cash prizes in recognition of their achievements.
On the occasion, Dr Pruthi administered the “Chitta Mukt Mandi – Nasha Mukt Himachal” pledge to players, officials and spectators, urging them to actively contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Pruthi highlighted the importance of sport in shaping the character of young people. He said sport fosters discipline, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle while providing a constructive outlet for youthful energy. He encouraged young people to participate actively in sporting and other positive activities and to stay away from drugs.
He added that the goal of making Mandi and Himachal Pradesh free from the menace of “chitta” (heroin) could only be achieved through active public participation and collective efforts.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan felicitated the chief guest with a traditional Himachali shawl, cap and memento. He thanked the players, organisers, officials and spectators for making the tournament a success. He said such sporting events provide an effective platform to raise awareness among young people about the harmful effects of drug abuse while motivating them to pursue positive and healthy activities.
