Revanth Reddy voices concern over drug abuse among educated youth

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has expressed growing concern over the rising drug abuse among educated youth, urging society to reflect on why young people are turning away from sports. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 74th BN Mullick Memorial All India Police Football Championship 2026 at Gachibowli Stadium, Reddy highlighted the need for collective responsibility in guiding youth towards constructive pursuits.

In his address, Reddy stressed that the increasing menace of drug abuse and cyber crimes poses the biggest challenge for the police. He emphasized that the responsibility of curbing these emerging crimes lies with the police force. "The nature of crime has now undergone a transformation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a double-edged sword," Reddy said.

The Chief Minister also expressed concern over drug addiction among youth in Punjab, which once provided valiant freedom fighters for India's independence. He warned that Telangana should not turn into another Punjab, where drug abuse has become a significant issue. Reddy recalled the contributions of Hyderabad football players during the 1950s and 60s and mentioned that popular football player Lionel Messi was invited to Hyderabad to provide an opportunity for sporting aspirants, particularly from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities, to play with him.

Reddy also highlighted India's poor performance in the Olympic games, where a population of 1.4 billion failed to win even a single gold medal, while South Korea, with just 40 million people, secured over 30 medals. Aspiring to win medals in the next Olympics, Reddy announced that his government was establishing the Young India Sports University through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The Chief Minister's concerns were further underscored by his statement that unfortunately, some bright students are falling prey to drugs, and the youth are drifting away from sports. He described abandoning the playing fields as the biggest mistake committed by the youth. Reddy's call for action comes as a reminder of the importance of nurturing sports among the youth and providing them with opportunities to channel their energy into constructive pursuits.

The government's initiative to establish the Young India Sports University aims to foster a culture of sportsmanship and excellence among the youth, encouraging them to stay away from drug use and pub culture. By investing in sports infrastructure and providing scholarships to talented athletes, the state government hopes to nurture future Olympians and contribute to India's success on the global stage.

In conclusion, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's concerns over drug abuse among educated youth highlight the pressing need for a collective effort to guide the younger generation towards sports and away from destructive habits. By emphasizing the role of the police in curbing cyber crimes and drug-related issues, Reddy is calling for a proactive approach to address these challenges and ensure a brighter future for the state's youth. The establishment of the Young India Sports University is a significant step in this direction, demonstrating the government's commitment to promoting sports and creating a conducive environment for the next generation of athletes.