Villupuram youth use cricket to promote drug-free community

Chennai: In an effort to combat drug abuse, over 150 youngsters from a village in Villupuram district have joined hands to organise a cricket tournament aimed at spreading awareness about a drug-free lifestyle.

Residents of Malaiyarasan Kuppam, a village panchayat in the district, on Wednesday pledged to transform their village into a “model village” by eliminating the use of drugs and other narcotic substances. The pledge was taken ahead of the inauguration of the cricket tournament, as part of a community-led initiative.

According to a press release, the youth took an oath committing themselves to work towards creating a safe and drug-free environment in the village.

The tournament, titled the ‘Malaiyarasan Kuppam World Cup’, will feature nine teams and will be played over the next few days. Ponnuswamy Karthik, president of the Villupuram District Athletics Association, said the event is designed to channel the energy of young people into sports and positive activities.

“There is increasing concern among elders about youngsters getting drawn into narcotics and other harmful habits. Through this tournament, we want to guide them away from such influences and encourage them to focus on a healthy and secure future,” Karthik said.

He added that the initiative is also expected to inspire local youth to take up sports seriously and aim to represent the state and the country at higher levels.

The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 50,000, the organisers said.

(with inputs from agencies)