Sports assns gear up for winter tourneys

Members of the region’s sports associations have began preparations for organising season’s tournaments.

Besides enhancing practice sessions, they have started coordinating with senior functionaries of government and non-government organisations for patronage during the proposed local and state-level events.

Though sports events are organised through the year, winter is preferred for conducting longer and harder sessions as the cooler temperatures provide ideal and comfortable conditions for physical activity in stark contrast to the sweltering summer.

The winter season also coincides with major cultural festivals enhancing community engagements and participation.

NRI sports promoters also encourage sports festivals during their preferred visits to Punjab in winter.

DSP (Special) Ranjit Singh Bains, community policing convener of the Malerkotla district police led by SSP Gagan Ajit Singh, acknowledged that office-bearers and activists of various sports organisations of Malerkotla, Ahmedgarh and Amargarh subdivisions had started approaching him to seek approvals of senior functionaries to associate with their proposed events.

Bains appreciated that the enthusiasts had expressed their intent and inclination to dedicate the events to the ongoing fight against drug abuse.

“As organisation of wrestling, hockey, kabaddi, volleyball and football tournaments is at the heart of our sports calendar community policing scheme, we have also decided to play an active role in sensitising residents about causes and consequences of drug abuse by addressing gatherings during various events scheduled to take place in the area during forthcoming months,” Bains said, acknowledging that organisers have already started inviting police personnel to inspect the probable venues.

Activists of the Ahmedgarh Sports and Social Welfare Organisation led by Shiv Narad and Arvind Singh Maavi said they had started contacting football teams from various parts of the state for their annual football tournament that would be dedicated to the fight against drug abuse and violence like earlier years.

SSP Gagan Ajit Singh appreciated the enthusiasm of the sports organisers towards providing the police with platforms to spread the message against drug abuse. “Having observed that sports can be a powerful tool towards prevention of crime and drug abuse, we have advised these sports organisations to facilitate interaction with the youth ,” the SSP added.