Drug abuse among youth a major challenge, warns Karnataka Dy CM Parameshwara
Synopsis
Karnataka Deputy CM Parameshwara used the Olympic Day Run in Tumakuru to deliver a dual message: a stark warning that organised networks are deliberately targeting youth with narcotics, and an ambitious pledge to turn Tumakuru into a world-class sports city — with a cricket stadium, hockey arena, swimming pool, and a kayaking academy already producing national-level winners.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka Deputy CM G.
Parameshwara warned on 27 June that organised networks are actively luring youth into drug addiction.
He flagged off the Olympic Day Run at Town Hall, Tumakuru , organised by the Karnataka Olympic Association .
The government has allotted 42 acres to the KSCA for an international cricket stadium in Tumakuru; the foundation stone has been laid.
Plans include an international-standard hockey stadium , a modern swimming pool , and a national-level gymnasium already operational.
A kayaking academy at Amanikere produced national-level prize winners at a competition held on 17 June .
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday, 27 June sounded the alarm over rising drug abuse among young people, warning that organised networks are actively targeting the youth to draw them into addiction. Speaking at the Olympic Day Run in Tumakuru, he called substance abuse one of the gravest challenges confronting society today.
Warning on Organised Drug Networks
Parameshwara said there are concerted, deliberate efforts to lure young people into the trap of narcotics, posing a serious and growing threat to communities across India and the world. He urged students and youngsters to channel their energy into sports and other constructive pursuits rather than fall prey to addiction. The Deputy Chief Minister appealed for greater public awareness to counter what he described as an increasingly serious crisis among the younger generation.
Olympic Day Run in Tumakuru
The remarks came as Parameshwara flagged off the Olympic Day Run, organised by the Karnataka Olympic Association in collaboration with the Tumakuru district administration at the Town Hall, Tumakuru. He noted that International Olympic Day, observed annually, promotes the values of peace, harmony, and brotherhood. Parameshwara expressed satisfaction that the Karnataka Olympic Association had selected Tumakuru as the venue for this year's event, saying such programmes inspire youth to embrace fitness and sport as a way of life.
Tumakuru to Become a Sports City
Highlighting the state government's push to develop sports infrastructure, Parameshwara said Tumakuru — already recognised as an educational hub — would be transformed into one of Karnataka's leading sports cities. Key developments include the allotment of 42 acres of land to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for the construction of an international cricket stadium, for which the foundation stone has already been laid.
A national-level gymnasium has been established in the district for athlete training. The government also plans to build an international-standard hockey stadium and a modern swimming pool to help sportspersons compete at national and international levels.
Kayaking Academy and National Success
Parameshwara highlighted the establishment of a kayaking academy at Amanikere, where young athletes are receiving professional coaching and making their mark nationally. He noted that athletes from Tumakuru won prizes at the national-level kayaking competition held on 17 June, calling it a matter of pride for the district.
Key Officials Present
Karnataka Olympic Association President and Legislative Council member K. Govindaraj, General Secretary T. Anantharaj, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Ashwija, Superintendent of Police Ashok, along with several dignitaries, officials, and sportspersons attended the event. As Tumakuru's sporting ambitions take shape, the district's athletes and administrators will be watching closely to see whether the promised infrastructure materialises on the ground.
Point of View
Yet Karnataka has a mixed record of sports projects stalling between announcement and completion. The kayaking academy at Amanikere is a genuinely encouraging outlier — a low-profile initiative producing verifiable national results. If the government can replicate that model at scale rather than chasing headline stadiums, Tumakuru's sports-city ambition has a real chance. The drug-abuse crisis, however, needs more than appeals to play sport — it demands a district-level intervention strategy that was conspicuously absent from Saturday's address.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Karnataka Deputy CM Parameshwara say about drug abuse?
Parameshwara warned on 27 June that organised networks are making deliberate efforts to lure young people into drug addiction, calling it a major challenge for society. He urged youth to stay away from narcotics and instead engage in sports and constructive activities.
Where was the Olympic Day Run held and who organised it?
The Olympic Day Run was held at Town Hall in Tumakuru, Karnataka, and was organised by the Karnataka Olympic Association in collaboration with the Tumakuru district administration. Parameshwara flagged off the event on 27 June.
What sports infrastructure is planned for Tumakuru?
The Karnataka government has allotted 42 acres to the KSCA for an international cricket stadium, with the foundation stone already laid. Plans also include an international-standard hockey stadium, a modern swimming pool, and a national-level gymnasium that is already operational.
What is the Amanikere kayaking academy?
The kayaking academy at Amanikere, Tumakuru, is a government-supported facility providing professional training to young athletes. Athletes from the academy won prizes at a national-level kayaking competition held on 17 June, according to Parameshwara.
Why is Tumakuru being developed as a sports city?
Parameshwara said Tumakuru, already known as an educational hub, will be developed into one of Karnataka's leading sports cities through world-class infrastructure and improved facilities. The goal is to enable local sportspersons to compete at national and international levels.
