A rural-level cricket competition in Shimla district's Jubbal subdivision is using sports to create awareness about drug abuse and environmental issues. The 10-day 'Shaan-e-Bushahr' Mandhol Premiere League-4 tournament, organized by the Yuva Mandal Mandhol, features over 80 teams from Uttarakhand, Chohara, Rohru, Nawar, Theog, and Kotkhai. The event runs until June 20, with the winning team receiving a prize of Rs 1.51 lakh.
Promoting Sports and Social Messages
Robin Chauhan, general secretary of the Yuva Mandal Mandhol, emphasized that cricket is a powerful tool to keep youth away from drugs and educate them about environmental protection. The campaign started with the motto 'Nash Chodo Kehl Kelo' (leave drugs, play sports) and now also focuses on environmental conservation.
Environmental Initiatives
This year, the winning and runner-up teams, as well as the man of the match, will receive a memento along with a deodar or oak sapling. Players are expected to plant the sapling and send a photo, with regular monitoring of the plant. Next year, they are to bring photographs of the plant. The 'Plant Trees, Save the Environment' initiative aims to inspire people to conserve nature.
Last year, the Yuva Mandal planted over 1,000 deodar trees. Chauhan expressed interest in collaborating with the forest department to expand the initiative and plans to give plants to all participants next year.
