Sporting Legends Gautam Gambhir, Sunil Chhetri, Sania Mirza Among The Stalwarts To Bat For Drug Free India

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed Head Coach of the Indian Men's Cricket team, along with football legends Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, multiple Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza, and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal, have teamed up with Sony Sports Network to launch the 'Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar' campaign.

This initiative aims to combat drug abuse among Indian youth. The campaign features prominent athletes from various sports who have joined hands with Sony Sports Network to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drugs.

These sporting icons are featured in films that aim to inspire and encourage young people to choose a healthy lifestyle by saying no to drugs.

Prominent Athletes Join Forces

In addition to the aforementioned names, the campaign also includes Indian women's cricket team Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, veteran hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, former men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, and two-time world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen. These athletes are all featured in the films promoting the anti-drug message.

Other notable personalities involved in the movement include Indian Football team captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, former cricketer Ashish Nehra, cricketer Deepak Chahar, tennis player Sumit Nagal, shooter Anjum Moudgil, women's hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia, Asian Games gold medallists Chirag Shetty and Satwik Rankireddy, UFC fighter Puja Tomar, and women's team bowler Sneh Rana.

Addressing a Growing Concern

A United Nations study reveals that around 13 percent of drug abuse victims in India are under 20 years old. The country has seen a 70 percent increase in narcotic consumption over the past eight years. Often, drugs are introduced to young people by someone they know, frequently a friend. The campaign aims to reach potential first-time drug users and encourage them to make the right choice by avoiding drugs.

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer - Distribution & International Business and Head - Sports Business at Sony Pictures Networks India said, "Sony Sports Network is extremely proud to launch the Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar' movement and we sincerely believe that sports has the power to instil and bring about a positive change among the youth. In association with India's top athletes across disciplines, we are confident of making a statement and inspiring young India to stay away from the influence of drugs."

Empowering Youth Through Sports

Sony Sports Network is dedicated to this cause and believes that uniting sports icons with their young fans can create a significant impact. The films produced for this campaign aim to motivate everyone to join this crucial movement. By promoting a healthier lifestyle through sports, they hope to steer young people away from drug abuse.

The 'Iss Baar Drugs Ki Haar' initiative seeks not only to raise awareness but also to foster a long-term commitment among India's youth towards leading a fit and fulfilling life free from drugs. Through this collective effort involving some of India's most celebrated athletes, Sony Sports Network aims to make a lasting difference in combating drug abuse.