SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called upon athletes to act as ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, encouraging them to inspire youth to reject substance abuse and embrace sports.

The Lieutenant Governor was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the All India Inter-University Wushu Championship at the University of Kashmir in Srinagar.

In his address, Sinha reaffirmed the administration's commitment to fostering a strong sporting culture across higher educational institutions, ensuring equal opportunities for students to lead active and healthy lifestyles. He emphasized that the championship goes beyond competition, describing it as a celebration of unity under the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, promoting discipline, excellence, and national integration.

"This championship carries with it a responsibility to uphold and renew the essential spirit of sport that transcends competition and connects us to our highest aspirations as human beings," the Lieutenant Governor said, expressing hope that the event would be remembered for building friendships, breaking barriers, and strengthening the idea of a united and compassionate India.

Highlighting the discipline of Wushu, he noted that the martial art reflects the resilience of youth and serves as a platform for cultural exchange, where competitors evolve into collaborators and mentors shape the nation's future. He also urged participants to leverage social media by creating short videos to spread awareness against drug abuse and promote positive lifestyles through sports and creativity.

The championship has attracted participation from over 150 universities and more than 1,000 athletes from across the country, featuring both men's and women's competitions. Organized under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities, the six-day event will showcase multiple Wushu categories, highlighting the sport's growing popularity and inclusivity at the university level.