Panchkula: Uttarakhand’s chief minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, stepped onto the turf of the Tau Devi Lal Cricket Stadium and partnered with participants of the Namo Cricket League, turning the gathering into a vibrant celebration of sport and solidarity.
A Memorable Match with the State Leader
Dhami didn’t just cheer from the sidelines – he grabbed a bat, faced a few overs, and shared the excitement with the budding cricketers. The spontaneous innings sparked enthusiastic applause, reinforcing the idea that the love of the game knows no age or rank.
He reflected that being part of the action offers insights that spectators can’t grasp, underscoring values such as teamwork, discipline, relentless effort, and unwavering focus on one’s objectives.
A Unified Stand Against Substance Abuse
The highlight of the day was a solemn anti‑drug pledge. Dhami invited every player and attendee to vow a drug‑free lifestyle, urging them to become role models for friends and family alike.
The league’s rallying cry – “yes to cricket, no to drugs” – was presented as a commitment to healthier, more positive living. Dhami encouraged the youth to channel their energy into sports, creativity, and constructive pursuits that enrich both society and the nation.
Sport: A Classroom for Discipline
According to Dhami, sport does far more than build physical stamina. It cultivates confidence, leadership, patience, and a collective spirit. He highlighted how athletes learn humility in victory and resilience in defeat.
Programs like Khelo India and Fit India are expanding opportunities, enabling talent from villages and small towns to reach national and international stages.
Haryana’s Rich Sporting Heritage
Dhami praised Haryana’s longstanding contribution to Indian sports, naming Olympians, Paralympians, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medalists who hail from the state. He emphasized that such achievements stem from years of hard work, strict discipline, and a laser‑like focus on goals.
The outdated belief that academics must outweigh athletics is fading. With better platforms and support, a career in sports is now a respectable and viable option for today’s youth.
Keeping the Younger Generation Drug‑Free
Dhami warned that drug misuse damages not only individuals but also families and entire communities. In contrast, sport offers direction, discipline, and a constructive identity.
He called on young people to stay clear of substances and become ambassadors of the anti‑drug message within their circles.
The ceremony concluded with all participants joining the chief minister in a collective pledge to reject drugs and embrace sport as a positive way of life.
