IMA Nizamabad organises cricket league with 'Say No to Drugs' message
Nizamabad: Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nizamabad, in collaboration with Dr A. Vishal’s Alcohol & Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, organised a Drug Awareness Cricket League, with the theme “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life, Say Yes to Sports!”.
The event was held to promote awareness about substance abuse and was inaugurated by Sri P. Sai Chaitanya Garu, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Nizamabad on September 1, 2026, at 10:20 AM.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vishal Akula, President of IMA Nizamabad, emphasised that addiction is a treatable health condition and that effective medical treatment, counselling and rehabilitation services are available. He encouraged young people to stay away from addictive substances and choose sports, which promote physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline and teamwork.
In a social media post, Dr. Akula stated that the event will foster better confidence levels, communication skills, and human relations. He reasserted their motto, which is, “Say no to drugs and yes to life.”
Dr. Akula has been working as a professor of psychiatry at Govt Medical College, Nizamabad for the last 14 years.
IMA doctors, along with medical, dental and physiotherapy students, participated enthusiastically, spreading the message of a healthy and drug-free society. The league will continue until 8 September 2026, followed by the prize-distribution ceremony by Dr. P. Kishan, President, IMA Telangana State Branch.
Dr. D. Harish Swami, Dr. K. Ramaneshwar, Dr. Ajja Srinivas and Dr. Vinod Kumar Gupta also participated and extended their support to the initiative.
Dr. A. Vishal’s Alcohol, Drug Deaddiction, and Rehabilitation Center, established last year in Khaleelwadi, Nizamabad, has successfully provided deaddiction services to 300 patients across North Telangana (Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Nirmal, Adilabad, Jagtial) and parts of Maharashtra. Along with organising the tournament a few days ago, IMA Nizamabad also successfully conducted a CPR Training and Awareness Programme for nursing students and inaugurated the newly constructed IMA South Block Commercial Complex in the presence of esteemed dignitaries.
