Punjab: Experts express hope for a fight against drug abuse through sports.

Punjab: Experts have offered an important suggestion regarding the growing drug addiction problem in Punjab. They say that promoting the state’s traditional sports can go a long way in keeping youth away from addiction. Experts believe that sports not only strengthen physical and mental health but also provide positive direction to youth. According to experts, increasing participation in kabaddi, wrestling, tug-of-war, gatka, and other traditional Punjabi sports develops discipline, team spirit, and self-confidence among youth. These qualities can play a vital role in keeping them away from bad habits like drug addiction.
Many social workers and sports experts have suggested that organizing sports competitions in villages could channel the youth’s energy in the right direction. They say that lack of free time and opportunities often pushes youth towards the wrong path, which can be prevented through sports activities. Experts also advocated that traditional sports should be made compulsory at the school and college levels, so that children can engage in these sports from childhood. This will not only improve their fitness but also make them more socially active and aware. Government and non-governmental organizations organize sports events from time to time, but experts believe they need to be expanded to a wider scale. If local administrations and panchayats jointly organize regular sports competitions, the impact could be even more positive.
Health experts say that participating in sports activates positive hormones in the brain, reducing problems like stress and depression. This aspect can also prove helpful in preventing youth from turning to drug addiction. Furthermore, at the social level, sports strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation and brotherhood among youth, creating a positive environment in society. Experts said that if sports are integrated into anti-drug campaigns, the results could be even more effective. Overall, this opinion of experts points to an important direction: traditional sports are not just a means of entertainment, but can also play an effective role in combating serious social problems like drug addiction. If concrete steps are taken in this direction in the coming time, positive results can be seen.