The Diphupar Naga Youth Organization (DNYO) is set to host a drug awareness campaign combined with an open penalty shootout tournament on June 29, commemorating the International Day Against Drug Use and Illicit Trafficking, under the theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”. The event is scheduled to be held at Diphupar Village local ground.
Informing this at a press conference, president DNYO, T Molungba Ao, emphasized the campaign’s goal to educate the community on the detrimental impact of drug abuse, and stressed on the importance of using the platform of sports and education in empowering the community against drug use.
He lamented on the significant involvement of youth in drug-related issues and the suffering of many families.
He added that the event is being held in collaboration with the Dimapur Chief Medical Officer and would also offer free general medical checkups.
He informed that the drug awareness campaign would be held after which the penalty shootout would commence.
Meanwhile, DNYO advisor, Kikheto Sumi, highlighted Diphupar village’s strategic location between Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima, and praised the police for their efforts in combating drug issues.
He asserted that the primary goal of the event was to make Diphupar a drug-free zone and invited everyone to join the event.
Sumi maintained that the event was originally scheduled to be held on June 26, however informed it was postponed to June 29 due to the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) election.
The penalty shootout is open to all, with a registration fee of Rs. 3000. The winning team will receive Rs. 60,000, while the runners-up will get Rs. 30,000, and the best goal keeper, a sum of Rs. 2000.
Addressing concerns about the ULB election counting day, Molungba Ao assured that the event would proceed as planned, as only the candidates’ agents would be occupied with the election duties.
He also mentioned on the positive response from schools, colleges, and neighbouring villages towards the event.