Time to bring youth back to sports from drugs: CM Revanth Reddy

Expressing concern over changing trends among youth, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said young people were gradually distancing themselves from sports and playgrounds, and it was time to bring the youth back to sports.

He was speaking after presenting the winners’ trophy to the CISF team at the 74th B.N. Mullik Memorial All India Police Football Championship tournament held at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.

Mr. Reddy said he was determined to channel youth away from pub and drug culture and guide them towards constructive sporting careers. “We have seen how Punjab’s youth were affected. We will not allow this region to become another Punjab,” he cautioned.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy plays football at the 74th B. N. Mullick Memorial All India Police Football Championship – 2026 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR

The Chief Minister recalled Hyderabad’s rich football legacy, stating that the city once enjoyed a distinguished reputation in Indian football history. “From the 1950s to the 1960s, Hyderabad was known as the ‘Nursery of Indian Football’.”

He noted that seven players from Hyderabad were part of the Indian football team that competed in the 1956 Olympics. The Hyderabad Police Football Team, he added, also earned a commendable reputation at the national-level.

Paying tribute to B.N. Mullik, the Chief Minister described him as a “spy master” who played a crucial role in shaping India’s intelligence system. Minister for Sport and Youth Affairs Vakiti Srihari, Director General of Police B. Shivdhar Reddy and Chairperson of Sports Authority of Telangana Shivsena Reddy, and others were present.