NE SPORTS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, DEC 24
Delivering a strong and inspiring message to India’s youth, the Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Tuesday urged young people to embrace sports as a way of life and firmly reject substance abuse, declaring, “No to drugs and yes to sports.” He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the 3rd Sansad Khel Mahotsav held in the historic city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing an enthusiastic gathering of young athletes and sports lovers, the Vice-President said that sports are not merely about competition or medals, but about shaping strong minds, disciplined bodies and resilient character. He underlined that a healthy and active youth population is the foundation of a confident and capable nation.
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 3rd Sansad Khel Mahotsav in Agra and highlighted the role of sports in building discipline, character, teamwork, and national strength.
The Vice-President called upon the youth to say “No to drugs and Yes to sports,” lauded… pic.twitter.com/o2Ilex4vOB
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) December 24, 2025
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- Youth urged to say “No to Drugs, Yes to Sports” for a stronger India
Sharing his personal journey, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan recalled being an avid sportsperson during his school and college years. He spoke about excelling as a college champion in table tennis, participating in long-distance running, and playing cricket and volleyball. He noted that his sporting background gave him the physical strength and mental endurance to undertake demanding padyatras and a 19,000-km rathyatra, reinforcing the lifelong value of fitness and discipline.
The Vice-President highlighted that India’s ancient wisdom has always emphasised harmony between mind and body, and sports play a vital role in achieving this balance. He described sports as a powerful tool for character-building, instilling values such as perseverance, teamwork, respect for rules and self-confidence, all of which are essential for individual success and national progress.
Commending the Sansad Khel Mahotsav for taking sports to the grassroots, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said such platforms are crucial for discovering talent beyond metropolitan cities. He pointed to the transformational changes in India’s sports ecosystem over the past eleven years, driven by focused initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Programmes such as Khelo India, the Fit India Movement, and encouragement for indigenous sports reflect a holistic approach to nation-building through fitness and sports culture.
He also noted India’s improving performance on the global sporting stage and emphasised the growing encouragement for women’s participation in sports, citing initiatives like the ASMITA Women’s League as key enablers of gender inclusivity in athletics.
Addressing the growing concern of drug abuse among youth, the Vice-President stressed that sports are among the most effective safeguards against addiction. He urged young people to channel their energy into sports and fitness, saying that a drug-free, sports-loving generation would be the greatest strength of the nation.
Calling upon parents and teachers, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said encouraging children to play sports should be seen as an investment in their mental well-being, character and confidence. He advocated a balanced education system that gives equal importance to academics and athletics.
The Sansad Khel Mahotsav, being held in Agra from December 21 to 25, has drawn thousands of participants competing in over 33 team and individual sports events, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports at the community level.
The event was attended by Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Member of Parliament from Agra; Yogendra Upadhyaya, Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh; and other dignitaries.
