In a small village in the district of Khanna, Punjab, the local police have turned the field into a battlefield against one of society’s most daunting adversaries: drug abuse. Led by the dynamic IPS officer Amneet Kondal, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Khanna, this community-focused initiative took the form of a two-day football tournament designed to rally the youth against drugs. By blending sports with a strong anti-drug message, Khanna Police have created a compelling model for community engagement and prevention.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer shared details about the same.
A GAME PLAN WITH A PURPOSE
The football tournament was not just about winning or losing; it was about creating awareness and inspiring the youth to pursue healthier lifestyles. SSP Amneet Kondal, known for her innovative approaches, chose the village area over the city side to host the event, ensuring that the reach was maximized in places where it was needed the most.
“We chose the village area as we know many kids from village areas are keen to get into football but they don’t get the opportunity to do so. Moreover, without proper education and means, they are more prone to getting into drug abuse,” she told Indian Masterminds.
The slogan emblazoned on specially-made jerseys for the participants read, “Say No to Drugs and Yes to Life,” encapsulating the mission behind the event.
“Enforcement is crucial, but education and participation are just as important,” Kondal explained. “We wanted to engage kids in positive activities and show them that sports and cultural activities can be just as exciting and rewarding.”
A COMMUNITY AFFAIR
The tournament, held at Shahi Sports College, Village Jhakhrodhi, Samrala, saw participation from 10 male teams and two female teams, totaling over 100 players. The event was inaugurated by Sakshi Sawhney, the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, alongside SSP Kondal, underscoring the local administration’s commitment to combating drug abuse.
A notable aspect of the event was its inclusivity. Locals who enjoyed playing gully football were encouraged to participate, regardless of their skill level. The police even formed a mixed-gender team for younger children, who were eager to join, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork among all ages. This approach ensured that even those as young as five years old could be part of the action.
CASH PRIZES AND RECOGNITION
The competition was fierce, but in the end, the Football Training Centre (FTC) Khanna clinched the first prize, taking home a cheque of ₹11,000 and a trophy. FTC Machhiwara and FTC Daoumajra secured the second and third places, winning ₹5,100 and ₹3,100, respectively. Taran Grewal from the FTC Khanna team was honored as the player of the tournament, for his outstanding performance on the field.
All participants received certificates and jerseys, ensuring that everyone left the tournament feeling like a winner. The initiative also included small cash prizes for younger participants, encouraging them to continue pursuing sports and stay away from drugs.
BEYOND FOOTBALL: A COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN
The football tournament is just one facet of Khanna Police’s broader anti-drug campaign. Recently, they organized a Karate competition for children at A.S. Modern Senior Secondary School, which saw participation from 90 kids aged between six and 21. Prizes included gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with karate kits and certificates of participation, further promoting physical activity as a means to combat drug use.
In addition, an ‘Anti-Drug Awareness’ function was held at A.S. Modern Primary School, featuring a poster-making competition and a “Walk-and-Run Marathon” on ‘International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking.’ These events brought together 180 participants, including district police officials, volunteers, and local youth.
A MESSAGE THROUGH DRAMA
Adding another layer to their awareness efforts, the Khanna Police organized a skit in a local school. The play depicted a poignant story of a young boy from an army family who fell into the clutches of drug addiction, missing out on significant family moments, including his father’s posthumous Ashoka Chakra award ceremony. This realistic portrayal struck a chord with the audience, highlighting the devastating impact of drug abuse on families and communities.
“We showed the skit to students of class 9th-12th who are in that vulnerable age of falling into the pit of drug abuse and are more susceptible to this kind of peer pressure,” she stated.
IMPACT AND FUTURE STEPS
SSP Kondal believes these initiatives are vital for connecting with the community on a personal level. “It’s not just about enforcing laws; it’s about understanding the community’s needs and working together to find solutions,” she said.
“It is a good medium to interact with them. It is not necessary that police would only interact with a person if and when there is a criminal charge against them. We wish to show our humane side to them that we are also interested in bringing them on the right path,” she added.
The tournament and accompanying activities have successfully raised awareness and fostered a community spirit against drug abuse. By engaging the youth in sports, Khanna Police are not just preventing drug abuse but also nurturing future athletes and responsible citizens.
As the final whistle blew on the football tournament, it was clear that Khanna Police, led by SSP Amneet Kondal, scored more than just goals on the field; they scored a victory in the ongoing battle against drugs, leaving a lasting impact on the community they serve.
