Tamil Nadu CM Vijay flags off anti-drug marathon, runs to spread awareness

On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay flagged off and took part in the ‘Anti Drug Run 2026’, organised by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu in Chennai.

An official press release said the objective of the run was to channel the energy of young people into constructive pursuits, promote a healthy lifestyle, and bring about positive change in society.

Around 15,000 people took part in the 6-km run from Arignar Anna Memorial on Kamarajar Salai to Island Grounds.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay participates in the marathon organised on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, in Chennai on Friday
| Photo Credit:
X/@CMOTamilnadu

Renowned sportspersons including Mohan Kumar (Athletics), V. Baskaran (Hockey), Thirumal Valavan (Hockey), Mohammed Riyas (Hockey), Raman (Table Tennis), Sharath Kamal (Table Tennis), Srinivasa Rao (Table Tennis; Dronacharya Award recipient), Joshna Chinappa (Squash; Arjuna Award recipient), and Anitha Pauldurai (Basketball; Padma Shri awardee) took part in the run.

Earlier, the Chief Minister signed on the pledge board displaying the message: ‘Sports-ah edu, drugs-ah vidu’ (Take up sports, give up drugs).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay after signing ‘Sports-ah edu, drugs-ah vidu’ on a board during a marathon held to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Chennai on June 26, 2026
| Photo Credit:
B. Jothi Ramalingam

Ministers N. Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, P. Venkataramanan, N. Marie Wilson, and R. Kumar; Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar; Director-General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, and senior officials were present on the occasion.