The Chandrasekharan Nair stadium reverberated with the chants of ‘Kohli, Kohli’ as the Indian cricket team skipper lent his star power to the ‘Say Yes to Cricket and No to Drugs’ campaign of the Kerala Police on Monday. The event proved to be a perfect precursor to the T20 decider between India and New Zealand, scheduled on Tuesday, as a large number of people thronged the stadium, braving heavy downpour. Thousands of school and college students, who filled the stands, were thrilled to catch a glimpse of their cricketing idol. When Virat Kohli made his way to the centre stage he was greeted with rapturous applause.
Ranji players too
Kohli, players including Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj were present at the formal launch of the campaign. Kerala Ranji team players, including their captain Sachin Baby, Sanju Samson, and Basil Thampi, also took part.
After administering a pledge against the consumption of drugs and other intoxicants, Kohli said it was important for everyone, especially youngsters, to take up a sport.
“We’ve made a good start, but we will have to take the pledge forward and maintain our resolve to stay away from drugs,” he said.
Formally launching the campaign, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan echoed the views. Mr. Vijayan and Kohli released a postal cover launched by the Postal Department to mark the return of international cricket to the State capital.
Former Indian football captain I.M. Vijayan, who ran the last leg of a torch relay, set aflame a symbolic representation of liquor and drugs.
