Tumakuru (Karnataka), June 27 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, warning that organised attempts are being made to lure young people into addiction.

Calling it a major challenge facing society, he urged the youth to stay away from narcotics and actively participate in sports to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Speaking after flagging off the Olympic Day Run organised by the Karnataka Olympic Association in collaboration with the Tumakuru district administration at the Town Hall in Tumakuru, Parameshwara said the impact of drug abuse on the younger generation was becoming increasingly serious across the world.

He said there were concerted efforts to target young people and draw them into the trap of substance abuse, posing a serious threat to society. Stressing the need for greater awareness, he appealed to students and youngsters to channel their energy into sports and other constructive activities instead of falling prey to addiction.

Parameshwara said International Olympic Day, observed annually, promotes the values of peace, harmony and brotherhood. He expressed happiness that the Karnataka Olympic Association had chosen Tumakuru to host this year’s event and said such programmes inspire people, particularly the youth, to adopt fitness and sporting activities as a way of life.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to promote sports in the district, Parameshwara said Tumakuru, already known as an educational hub, would be developed into one of Karnataka’s leading sports cities through the creation of world-class sports infrastructure and improved facilities for athletes.

He said the government has allotted 42 acres of land to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for the construction of an international cricket stadium, and the foundation stone for the project has already been laid.

The Deputy Chief Minister said a national-level gymnasium has already been established for training athletes in the district. He added that the government also plans to construct an international-standard hockey stadium and a modern swimming pool to enable sportspersons to compete at national and international levels.

Parameshwara further said a kayaking academy has been set up at Amanikere, where young athletes are receiving professional training and achieving success at the national level. He noted that athletes from Tumakuru won prizes in the national-level kayaking competition held on June 17, describing it as a matter of pride for the district.

Karnataka Olympic Association President and Legislative Council member K. Govindaraj, General Secretary T. Anantharaj, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Ashwija, Superintendent of Police Ashok, along with several dignitaries, officials and sportspersons, were present at the event.

–IANS

mka/uk