Haryana CM Inaugurates Chandigarh Street Cricket Tournament, Sends Anti-Drug Message with Bat Swing

Chandigarh ; The ‘Nasha Bhagao – Balla Ghumao’ street cricket tournament, jointly organized by the UT Cricket Association (UTCA) and the Chandigarh Police, kicked off Friday, at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium. The event was inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and UT Chandigarh Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad, who symbolically launched the tournament by swinging the bat. They remarked that the ball represents drugs, which must be driven away.

The dignitaries also referenced the film Udta Punjab while highlighting the growing concern of drug abuse. At the same time, they praised Haryana’s athletes for bringing pride to the state across various sports. UTCA President Sanjay Tandon and Chandigarh Police DGP Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda were also present at the event.

The tournament, themed ‘Nasha Bhagao – Balla Ghumao’, aims to spread awareness among youth and encourage them to stay away from drugs.

A total of 288 teams are participating this year, including 256 boys’ teams and 32 girls’ teams, with over 3,000 players in action. All teams have registered through their respective local police stations, which have also distributed jerseys and cricket kits to the participants.