School footballers from all 14 districts unite for VENDA Cup 2026’s anti-drug campaign.
Thiruvananthapuram: Allianz Services India has inaugurated the ninth edition of the VENDA Cup 2026 – Game for S.A.F.E. (Substance Abuse-Free Environment) at the Jimmy George Sports Hub in Thiruvananthapuram.
Organised as a CSR initiative by Allianz Services India in partnership with Fourth Wave Foundation, the all-Kerala inter-school football tournament uses sport to promote substance-abuse prevention among children and young adults.
Also Read
The tournament brings together 1,600 players from 160 school teams, with equal participation from boys and girls across all 14 districts. Zonal qualifiers will be held in Kannur, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam through September and October, followed by the state championships in Ernakulam on October 23–24.
Inaugurating the event, Kerala Home and Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the VENDA Cup complements government efforts such as Operation Toofan by focusing on prevention and awareness. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister O.J. Janeesh highlighted the role of sports in encouraging young people to choose healthy alternatives to substance use.
The inauguration featured a Fair Play Pledge, Anti-Drug Pledge, and the unveiling of the tournament jerseys and trophies. Fair Play Player and Team awards will also recognise sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The VENDA Cup is the flagship programme of Project VENDA, developed by Fourth Wave Foundation and recognised by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as a best practice for prevention interventions.
Published: 09 Sept 2026, 02:43 pm IST
Related Topics
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.