DW BUREAU / CHANDIGARH/LUDHIANA

As part of the ongoing special anti-drug awareness campaign as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Ludhiana Rural Police has organised a district-level Basketball Tournament to sensitise youth about harmful effects of drugs and channelise their energy in the right direction.

The tournament was organised under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ludhiana Rural Navneet Singh Bains at Arjuna Awardee Gurdial Singh Malhi's village Gureh in Mullanpur Dakha.

Notably, amidst the ongoing crackdown against drug traffickers, the Punjab Police as part of 'Prevention' has been organising different events to spread awareness among people about the detrimental effects of drugs and get support of the general public in fight against drugs. The events including basketball tournaments, kabbadi, cricket matches, volleyball, football, cyclothon, awareness camps, dramas, nukkad nataks, marathons, seminars and public meetings are being organised in all the 28 Police districts.

The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy? Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)? to eradicate drugs from the state.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ludhiana Range Dhanpreet Kaur, who was chief guest at the event, said that the purpose behind organising such events were to bring together the community, especially focusing on the youth, through the power of sports, emphasising teamwork, discipline, and healthy living.

She said that the tournament has not only served as a competitive platform but also as a stride in spreading awareness about the perils of drug addiction. Through this initiative, the Ludhiana Rural Police reinforced their dedication to safeguarding the well-being of their community, she added.

The event has witnessed an impressive schedule, featuring a total of eight teams? including six teams of boys and two teams of girls. In boy's category the Ludhiana Basketball Academy has secured first position, while, District Ludhiana team remained at second position. Similarly, in girl's category the Ludhiana Basketball Academy bagged first position, while, Ludhiana Basketball Club remained at second position.

DIG Dhanpreet Kaur accompanied by SSP Navneet Singh Bains congratulated the winners and felicitated them with cash prizes, trophies and medals on the occasion.
(editor@dailyworld.in)