CRICKET CARNIVAL WITH A MISSION: SHIMLA TO HOST TOURNAMENT AIMED AT DRIVING YOUTH AWAY FROM DRUGS
Himalayan Sports & Cultural Youth Society launches the 2026 edition centered around the powerful theme "Nasha Chodo, Khel Khelo" to combat substance abuse.
23/05/2026-VIDYA SAGAR
SHIMLA — In a major bid to tackle the growing menace of substance abuse among youth through the power of sports, the Himalayan Sports & Cultural Youth Society has officially announced the upcoming Shimla Cricket Carnival 2026.
The organizers have scheduled a comprehensive press briefing today, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 3:30 PM at Jashan Restaurant, located at The Mall, Shimla. The briefing will unveil the official tournament schedule, participating team line-ups, list of attending dignitaries, and various community awareness initiatives slated to run alongside the matches.
SCC brochure new 2026 A4-Online Sharing_compressed
Batting Against Substance Abuse
This year’s carnival transitions from a purely competitive sporting event into a critical social campaign. Driven by the resonant themes “Nasha Chodo, Khel Khelo” (Quit Drugs, Play Sports) and “Nasha Mukt, Chitta Mukt Shimla” (Drug-Free, Chitta-Free Shimla), the tournament seeks to channel the energy of local youth toward constructive avenues, promoting a healthier lifestyle and fostering a supportive community environment.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Society President Virender Banshtu and Media Coordinator Sudhanshu Thakur emphasized that the spirit of sportsmanship is one of the most effective tools to combat addiction and inspire positive change.
Event Blueprint at a Glance
The carnival is structured as a multi-week event combining high-energy cricket matches with public advocacy.
| Event Parameter | Details |
| Press Briefing | Saturday, May 23, 2026 (3:30 PM) at Jashan Restaurant, The Mall, Shimla |
| Tournament Dates | June 1, 2026, to June 13, 2026 |
| Organizing Body | Himalayan Sports & Cultural Youth Society Shimla |
| Core Social Mission | Awareness against substance abuse, specifically targeting synthetic drugs (“Chitta”) |
“Your esteemed presence and media coverage are invaluable to helping us amplify this message and inspire a positive, drug-free lifestyle among the youth of Shimla.”
— Statement from the Organizing Committee
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 1st to June 13th, 2026. Local media, community leaders, and citizens are requested to support the movement to ensure its anti-drug message reaches every corner of the region.
Media Contacts & Inquiries:
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Sudhanshu Thakur (Media Coordinator): +91 80953 77000
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Virender Banshtu (President): +91 98161 90640
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Himalayan Sports & Cultural Youth Society Shimla
