Caritas India in partnership with One Million Hockey Legs (1MHL) use sports to prevent Punjab youth from drug addiction.

The state once known for its religious gurus, lush green farms, prosperity and growth is lashed by the drug menace. Punjab withstand the torture of partition, operation blue star, terrorism and communal riots but now it went under the clutches of drugs. 73.5 % youth of Punjab is addicted to drugs according to the report.

Launched at St. Agnes Convent School, Amritsar on May 27, 2016, the project will create awareness on hockey and health issues in four schools of Jalandhar and Amritsar districts.

Project ‘Sports for Youth Development’ aims to achieve 40% drug addiction reduce among the schools children and community of Punjab by organizing weekly hockey festivals for people.

These hockey festivals form teams both at school and community level to engage them in constructive activities and healthy entertainment for their overall development. These festivals instill unity and strong relationships and give social messages to the people.

Sardar Bikram Singh Majithia, Cabinet Minister of Punjab and Chief Guest of the program gave example of China and stated that due to their large population clubbed with better training they are able to win medals in Olympics. He emphasized the need of giving proper trainings and engaging Indian children on sports so they can also win medals.
Guest of Honour, Rt. Rev. Dr. Franco Mulakkal Bishop of Punjab & Himachal Pradesh shared role of convent schools in imparting quality education all over Punjab.

Showing concern about the declining status of India’s national game Mr. Floris Jan Bovelander, Executive Board member of 1MHL, shared about the partnership model between India and Netherland to promote hockey and sports. Through hockey they tend to develop social values among children.

“Children are the future of the nation and we would like to promote sports especially hockey and other kind of sports to engage student and community for a constructive growth and development” said Fr. Frederick D’Souza, Executive Director Caritas India.

The project will develop children’s basic skills for life and using hockey to teach and learn life skills for their overall development and instill a feeling of a responsible citizen.

Fr. Antony Madassery, Director, Navjeevan Charitable Society For Integral Development, Col. Balbir Singh, Former hockey player, Mrs. Kindam Singh, Zonal Manager Caritas India, Mr. Debangshu Ganguly, Strategic Partner Country Head Caritas India were among the special guests present for the project launch.