The Sports Authority of India (SAI), Central Regional Centre (CRC), Bhopal, in collaboration with MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat), organised the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ campaign at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, on 18 October 2026. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 150 youths representing seven states—Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness among young people about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage them to adopt a healthy, active and drug-free lifestyle through sports, fitness and recreational activities.

The programme commenced with a special warm-up and yoga session, setting the tone for a morning dedicated to physical fitness and wellness. This was followed by the welcome and felicitation of the special guest, Shri Yash Yadav, Paralympian and Asian Games medallist, by Shri Gaurav Rawat, Regional Director, SAI CRC Bhopal.

Addressing the participants, Shri Gaurav Rawat, Regional Director, SAI CRC Bhopal, emphasised the importance of sports and fitness in building a drug-free society. He said, “Sports and fitness can play a vital role in keeping our youth away from drugs. Through this campaign, we aim to encourage young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and contribute towards a drug-free and developed India.”

The programme also featured the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge, through which participants reaffirmed their commitment to staying away from substance abuse and spreading awareness about the importance of a drug-free society.

Special Theme-Based Game Zone Promotes Fitness and Teamwork

A major highlight of the event was the special Nasha Mukt Bharat theme-based Game Zone, designed to combine the message of a drug-free lifestyle with engaging sporting challenges and recreational activities. The zone featured the FIT India Fitness Challenge, including skipping and squats, along with basketball, archery, Shoot the Canes, tug of war and Ball in the Bucket.

Shri Gaurav Rawat, Regional Director, SAI CRC Bhopal, and Shri Mangal Jakhar, State Director, MY Bharat, flagged off the Game Zone activities by initiating a tug-of-war contest between two teams. The activity generated enthusiasm among participants while promoting teamwork, coordination, sportsmanship and healthy competition.

The event was attended by Shri Rajat Sharma, Assistant Director, SAI CRC Bhopa; Shri Naveen Kumar Gobbru, Assistant Director, SAI CRC Bhopal; Shri Umang Jain, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat; and coaches and staff members of SAI CRC Bhopal.

FIT India Movement: Special Edition of Sunday on Cycle

Reinforcing the message that fitness is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, Shri Gaurav Rawat and Shri Mangal Jakhar joined the young participants in a special edition of Sunday on Cycle, organised under the FIT India Movement.

Participants cycled around the IIFM campus, spreading the message of “FIT India, HIT India” and encouraging young people to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

The programme concluded with a prize distribution ceremony recognising participants for their enthusiasm and involvement in the activities.

Through this initiative, SAI CRC Bhopal reiterated commitment to engaging young people through sports, fitness and community participation to strengthen the movement towards a healthier, drug-free and developed India.

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