Empowering Youth Through Fitness and Awareness in Gandhinagar

In Gandhinagar, the Sports Authority of India organized a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' program under the Fit India Movement, engaging around 500 youth from various states. The initiative aimed to promote fitness and raise awareness about substance abuse through traditional games and interactive challenges. Participants enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with camaraderie and competition, while also pledging to lead drug-free lives. The event featured a mix of activities, including Zumba, emphasizing the importance of staying active. This initiative not only revived traditional sports but also aimed to channel the energy of youth towards a healthier future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 17:01 IST

Promoting Fitness and Substance Abuse Awareness

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 24: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) at its Regional Centre in Gandhinagar hosted a 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' awareness initiative as part of the Fit India Movement. This event, held at the Heartfulness Centre in Adalaj, was organized in partnership with MY Bharat. Centered around the theme 'Nasha Mukt Yuva, Viksit Bharat', the program aimed to unite youth from various regions to advocate for fitness, revive traditional Indian games, and educate about the dangers of substance abuse.

Engaging the Community Through Traditional Sports

The event attracted around 500 participants from five states—Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh—as well as the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Participants were grouped into state teams, fostering a lively atmosphere filled with camaraderie and healthy competition. The event was characterized by high energy and sportsmanship, with teams supporting each other throughout various activities.

Interactive Fitness Challenges and Cultural Legacy

The program included a variety of traditional Indian games and fitness challenges such as Lagori, Tug of War, Sack Race, 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' Snakes and Ladders, 'Knock Out Nasha' Can Toss, 'Choose Fitness' Ring Toss, the Fit India Fitness Challenge, and a Penalty Shoot-out. These activities, held in designated zones, tested participants' agility, speed, coordination, and teamwork, all while promoting fair play and mutual encouragement.

A vibrant Zumba session also took place, uniting participants through music and movement, emphasizing that fitness can be enjoyable. The traditional games allowed youth to reconnect with India's sporting heritage, while the fitness challenges instilled discipline and resilience.

Voices Supporting the Initiative

Nisha Kumari, a mountaineer and Fit India Movement Brand Ambassador, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, 'I appreciated today's initiative, as it promotes de-addiction among youth while reviving traditional games that have faded from popularity.' Ishtpreet Kaur, Assistant Director at SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar, honored Nisha Kumari with a memento for her contributions.

District Youth Officer Ayush emphasized the initiative's goal of a drug-free nation, stating, 'We aim for our youth to avoid substance abuse to achieve the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.' The event concluded with awards for winners in traditional games and fitness activities, celebrating their achievements and sportsmanship.

Conclusion

This initiative, organized by SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar in collaboration with MY Bharat, reinforced the message of 'Nasha Mukt Yuva, Viksit Bharat'. Through traditional games, team challenges, and Zumba, the program effectively directed youthful energy towards positive sporting experiences, encouraging participants to reject drugs and embrace fitness.