To Prevent Abuse of Drugs in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, MP Bishnu Pada Ray Seeks Urgent Support From Centre to Develop Sports Infrastructure in the UT
MP Bishnu Pada Ray has called for the urgent development of modern sports infrastructure to channel youth energy positively. From villages to wards, the demand is clear: better grounds, courts, stadiums, and indoor facilities.
The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands is strategically located to enhance maritime security, surrounded by the notorious neighbour Myanmar in the north, Malaysia and Thailand in the east. Conspiring this, India’s only tri-service command was inaugurated in Port Blair. But some non-state actors have been exploiting this region with drugtrafficing and other transactional crimes. In 2023, Southeast Asia recorded 190 tonnes of methamphetamine, exposing the vulnerability of this trade route. To tackle this issue and acknowledge the shortcomings of sports infrastructure in the A&N Islands, Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, advocated for an urgent development of sports infrastructure in the UT.
The Vision
The minister emphasized a strong and urgent need for sports fields and sports infrastructure developments at the village, ward, block/tehsil level for aspiring athletes and youth. This proposal has been consistently highlighted by PRI members and ward councillors to bridge the gap with adequate sports facilities in their respective areas. Through levelled and uneven ground facilities are present almost in every village, but the UT lacks modern sports infrastructure such as indoor stadiums, multipurpose halls, tennis and badminton courts, basketball courts, synthetic athletic tracks, and proper floodlighting. This has been highlighted as a major discouragement that pushes the youth towards drug use and other social evils.
Though no formal proposal or budget estimations have been submitted to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government of India, the administration has shown willingness to extend its financial assistance under the Khelo India program. Union sports minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has also consented to this financial aid.
Fostering Local Level Participation
A two-day Beach Sports Festival at Raman Bagicha Beach, Nimbutala, under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration's 2025–2026 Calendar of Events, successfully wrapped up on January 11, 2026. Organized by the Tourism Department with local partners, it featured beach volleyball, kabaddi, tug-of-war for men and women, plus women-only musical chairs and passing the ball, fostering community engagement. Chief Guest Assistant Commissioner Vikash Kumar praised the efforts and awarded prizes.
Meanwhile, on January 14, Seva Bharti and Makkaphad Gramwasi hosted a vibrant one-day Sports Meet in Sri Vijaya Puram for children aged 4-16, showcasing indigenous games to promote fitness and culture. Distinguished guests attended, and a Sanskar Kendra for young students was announced, starting January 19.