Gumla: Coinciding with the National Youth Day, Gumla district administration and sports department on Monday held an athletics meet titled ‘Krishna Oraon Smriti Athletics Competition 2025-26’ as part of its drug-free youth campaign.While inaugurating the meet, Jharkhand high court Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary said, “Such a meet is not just a formality but a strong means to encourage youths towards a positive lifestyle. Nasha (intoxication) propels people towards crimes and spoils life, while sports instils discipline and promotes healthy life.”A total of 72 athletes — 36 each from the boys’ and girls’ categories — selected from the district’s 12 blocks in the under-16 age group participated in the first such meet covering 100 m, 400 m and 800 m runs, long jump and shot put.Gumla DC Prerna Dixit said, “Youth’s energy must be channelised through sports so that they don’t indulge in drugs or any other intoxication.” Gumla district sports officer Praveen Kumar said, “Such an initiative also helps strengthen the physical and mental well-being of boys and girls and motivate them to lead a positive lifestyle.”Naina Kumari, Sitara Kumari and Shivani Kumari, who bagged 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the girls’ category, were given cheques of Rs 48,000, 36,000 and 24,000, trophies and certificates by Justice Choudhary in presence of other dignitaries.Justice Choudhary also inaugurated a new facility at district court premises for recording statements of people in sensitive cases.