No to Drugs and Yes to Sports,” Vice-President Urges Youth at 3rd Sansad Khel Mahotsav in Agra

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, participated as the Chief Guest at the 3rd Sansad Khel Mahotsav held today in the historic city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth athletes and sports enthusiasts, highlighting the growing sports culture at the grassroots level.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President expressed his delight at being part of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav. Sharing his personal connection with sports, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan noted that he had been an avid sportsperson during his school and college days, excelling as a college champion in table tennis, participating in long-distance running, and enjoying sports such as cricket and volleyball. He stated that his sporting background helped him undertake demanding padyatras and a 19,000-km rathyatra, underscoring the importance of physical fitness and mental resilience.

The Vice-President emphasized that India’s ancient wisdom has always highlighted the harmony of mind and body. He described sports not merely as competitive activities, but as powerful instruments of character-building that instill discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and respect for rules—values essential for individual growth and nation-building. He noted that events like the Sansad Khel Mahotsav play a vital role in nurturing these values at the grassroots level.

Commending the organizers for promoting sports beyond metropolitan centers, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the structural transformation of India’s sports ecosystem over the last eleven years. He said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, initiatives such as Khelo India, the Fit India Movement, and support for indigenous sports reflect a holistic vision for national development.

The Vice-President noted that India’s sporting achievements have significantly improved in recent years. He further underlined the focused support for women’s participation in sports, citing initiatives such as the ASMITA Women’s League.

Addressing the challenge of drug abuse among youth, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan stressed that sports are among the most effective tools for building a drug-free India. He urged young people to say “No to drugs and Yes to sports,” emphasizing that a healthy and active youth is the foundation of a strong nation.

Calling upon parents and teachers, the Vice-President highlighted the importance of encouraging children and youth to participate in sports as an investment in character-building and mental well-being, and advocated a balanced education system that values academics and athletics equally.

The Sansad Khel Mahotsav is being organized in Agra from December 21 to 25, with thousands of residents participating in over 33 team and individual sports competitions during the five-day Mahotsav.

The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Member of Parliament from Agra, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel; Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogendra Upadhyaya; and other dignitaries.