The cricket league, organised with Dr A. Vishal’s Alcohol & Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, promotes the message “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life, Say Yes to Sports!”
The 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 to raise awareness about substance abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
The event, held under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life, Say Yes to Sports!”, was inaugurated by Sri P. Sai Chaitanya Garu, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Nizamabad, on September 1, 2026, at 10:20 AM.
Addiction Is a Treatable Health Condition
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 take up sports, highlighting their role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline and teamwork.
In a social media post, Dr. Akula stated that the initiative would help foster better confidence levels, communication skills and human relations. He reiterated the organisation’s message, “Say no to drugs and yes to life.”
Dr. Akula has been working as a Professor of Psychiatry at Government Medical College, Nizamabad, for the last 14 years.
Doctors and Students Participate in Awareness Campaign
IMA doctors, along with medical, dental and physiotherapy students, participated enthusiastically in the cricket league and helped spread the message of maintaining a healthy and drug-free society.
The league will continue until September 8, 2026, following which the prize-distribution ceremony will be held by Dr. P. Kishan, President of the IMA Telangana State Branch.
Dr. D. Harish Swami, Dr. K. Ramaneshwar, Dr. Ajja Srinivas and Dr. Vinod Kumar Gupta also participated in the programme and extended their support to the initiative.
De-addiction Centre Provides Services to 300 Patients
Dr. A. Vishal’s Alcohol, Drug Deaddiction, and Rehabilitation Center, established last year in Khaleelwadi, Nizamabad, has provided deaddiction services to 300 patients from North Telangana districts, including Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Nirmal, Adilabad and Jagtial, as well as parts of Maharashtra.
The centre’s work forms part of broader efforts to provide treatment and rehabilitation support to people affected by substance dependence.
IMA Nizamabad Conducts Other Community Initiatives
Along with organising the cricket tournament, IMA Nizamabad recently conducted a CPR Training and Awareness Programme for nursing students.
The association also inaugurated the newly constructed IMA South Block Commercial Complex in the presence of dignitaries.
Important Highlights
- IMA Nizamabad organised a Drug Awareness Cricket League with Dr A. Vishal’s Alcohol & Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre
- The event was inaugurated by Nizamabad Police Commissioner Sri P. Sai Chaitanya Garu, IPS
- The campaign promotes the message “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life, Say Yes to Sports!”
- Doctors and medical, dental and physiotherapy students participated in the league
- The tournament will continue until September 8, 2026
- The de-addiction centre has provided services to 300 patients across North Telangana and parts of Maharashtra
- IMA Nizamabad also recently conducted CPR training and inaugurated its South Block Commercial Complex