Football match raises awareness on scourge of drugs

Nawanshahr

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a special football match was organised under the theme — “Drug-free Punjab” — by the Daily Morning Football Club, Nawanshahr, on the grounds of RK Arya College. The aim of the event was to promote awareness among the youth about the dangers of drug abuse and to encourage them to embrace sports for a healthier and more productive life. On the occasion, players took an oath to win battle against drug addiction.

The event was held under the guidance of club chairman Tarsem Lal, who also serves as Deputy Group Education and Information Officer. Speaking on the occasion he said, “Our club is committed to keep the youth away from drugs, while engaging them in sports through every possible effort.”

Local player Praveen Kumar (NSIN) extended invitations to participate in this awareness-raising football match. The match was played between Daily Morning Football Club, Nawanshahr, and YFC Sloh.

Awareness through sports

Before the match began, players raised slogans such as — “Say no to drugs, it’s time to wake up,” and “Break ties with drugs, build bonds with sports” — to spread awareness against the scourge.

Players vie for goals

The first half of the match saw strong attempts by Daily Morning Football Club players, including Sarbjit Singh, Tarsem Lal, Gorey, Varinder Singh, Avtar Singh, Haris Bhatia, Gurjot Bajwa, Jaskaran Singh, Mani, Rahul Chopra, Sukhmeet Bajwa, Manju Bali and Jassi, to strike a goal. Despite several shots on the goal post, good defence by Shani, Gaggi, Vipin and Dulla and outstanding goalkeeping by Gurinder (Fidde) of YFC Sloh kept the score-line level. Two easy chances were missed by Avtar Singh and Jassi.

In the second half, YFC Sloh players, including Sabi Shani, Hashim Guru, Gaggi, Dulla, Gurinder, Maan, Vipin, Ghaibi, Nabhi and Labbhi, built momentum.

Despite attempts by both the teams, strong defence by Sarbjit Singh, Gurjot Singh Bajwa, Tarsem Lal and excellent goalkeeping by Anand Ubrai kept the match score line at 1–0, in favour of YFC Sloh.

At the conclusion of the match, Praveen Kumar and Tarsem Lal thanked Dr Puneet Aneja, Principal, RK Arya College, for his unwavering support to hold the event. Tarsem Lal said, “Through initiatives like football matches, we want to guide the youth towards sports and help build a drug-free India. Our youth can play a pivotal role in national progress by staying away from drug addiction.”

Jalandhar