"When drug culture is rising in TN, sports have become essential": Aadhav Arjuna
Chennai, May 18
Tamil Nadu Minister of Public Works and Sports Development, Aadhav Arjuna said that with rising drug usage in the state, children should be given quality training and necessary attention right from the school days to compete at an international level in sports.
Arjuna was in Chennai for the inspection of the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. The construction works, quality of hostel food and needs of players and coaches were looked into during this visit.
Speaking to the reporters after the inspection, he told them, "Under the leadership of the CM (C Joseph Vijay), we have begun an excellent journey of governance through the Cabinet. We inquired and reviewed the ongoing construction works here, the quality of hostel food, and the needs of athletes and coaches."
Expressing concerns over rising drug culture in the state, Arjuna called for attention to be drawn to sports, saying that the athletes "lack proper awareness about the Olympics".
"At a time when drug culture is increasing in Tamil Nadu, sports have become essential. Right from the school level itself, students should be given the necessary attention and training to compete at international standards in sports. Our athletes lack proper awareness about the Olympics. We also have traditional sports such as Jallikattu and Silambam, and we have taken steps to encourage all such games. We are planning to take steps to improve sports infrastructure across all districts and regions," he signed off.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This makes a lot of sense. Engaging young people in sports is proven to reduce substance abuse worldwide. But I hope the government also focuses on mental health support for athletes. Competing at international levels is stressful, and without proper counseling, some might turn to drugs anyway. Good start, but need a holistic approach.
👏👏 Finally someone addressing the real issue! Drug culture is a major problem in TN, especially among youth. Instead of just blaming parents or schools, using sports as a constructive alternative is brilliant. But we need to ensure rural areas get equal opportunities - our village kids are often the most talented but least supported. Jallikattu needs proper recognition too!
While the sentiment is noble, I'm a bit skeptical about another politician making promises. We've heard similar lines about sports infrastructure for years. What specific plans exist? Budget allocations? Timelines? And mentioning "quality of hostel food" during an inspection sounds like bureaucracy at its finest. Actions speak louder than words.
Very valid point about Olympics awareness. Our athletes often don't even know about sports scholarships and international competitions until they're already in college. School-level scouting and training is the key - look at how China and Japan do it! Also glad to see Silambam getting mentioned, it's our own martial art that should be in the Olympics one day. 🇮🇳
Interesting perspective from an Indian minister. Western countries have long used sports as an antidote to drug culture - community leagues, school programs, etc. But the key difference is consistent funding
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