In the heart of Haryana’s Nuh district—often dubbed India’s cybercrime capital—a grassroots sports initiative is rewriting the narrative. Khelo Mewat, launched in April 2025 by the district administration, has emerged as a transformative force, engaging thousands of youth in cricket, volleyball, wrestling, and athletics. In a region plagued by drug abuse and digital fraud, the campaign is proving that structured sport can be a powerful antidote to social decay.
Key Highlights From The Initiative
- Over 10,000 youth participated in the first edition of Khelo Mewat
- Competitions held across 60 villages in Punahana and Ferozepur Jhirka blocks, identified as cybercrime hotspots
- Sports included cricket, volleyball, wrestling, tug-of-war, and track events
- Cash prizes up to Rs 5 lakh for overall champions and Rs 1.5 lakh for winning teams
- Grand finale scheduled for September 2025, with district-level matches drawing widespread attention
A Region In Crisis
- Nuh district has long struggled with high unemployment, school dropout rates, and lack of recreational infrastructure
- During the pandemic, cybercrime networks flourished, with youth lured into digital fraud schemes involving fake parcel scams, electricity disconnection threats, and investment cons
- Haryana Police linked cybercriminals from Nuh to over 28,000 complaints and 1,346 FIRs across India
- Drug abuse surged in parallel, with the district’s lone rehab center reporting 493 cases in FY2024 and 302 new cases in just the first quarter of FY2025
Sports As A Social Intervention
- Khelo Mewat was conceived as a three-month competition to divert youth from illicit activities
- Panchayat-level teams were formed, progressing to block-level and district-level matches
- The initiative was designed not only to promote physical fitness but also to instill discipline, teamwork, and community pride
- Outreach efforts included door-to-door campaigns by sarpanches and local volunteers to recruit participants and educate families
Voices From The Ground
- Rohit from Pinangwan block, part of the winning volleyball team, said the experience changed his life and earned his family’s support
- Naksheem Khatun from Nagina village shared how her son, once arrested for cybercrime, found purpose through volleyball and now plans to compete in Delhi leagues
- Imran, sarpanch of Firozpur Namak, emphasized that sports keep youth occupied and away from the lure of drugs and easy money
- District sports officer Manoj Kumar noted that the intelligence and energy of local youth, once misdirected, is now being channeled into productive pursuits
Infrastructure And Funding
- The initiative is funded by the Mewat Development Authority and supported by local panchayats and municipal councils
- Matches are held on village grounds, with basic amenities and refreshments provided to participants
- Plans are underway to establish permanent sports academies and training centers in Nuh to sustain the momentum
- The administration is also exploring partnerships with state-level sports bodies and NGOs for long-term engagement
Looking Ahead
- The September finale is expected to draw thousands of spectators and media attention, further validating the success of the initiative
- Authorities are considering expanding Khelo Mewat into a year-round program with seasonal leagues and inter-district tournaments
- The model is being studied by other districts in Haryana and neighboring states as a replicable framework for youth rehabilitation
- Policymakers believe that if sustained, Khelo Mewat could become a blueprint for social reform through sport
Conclusion
Khelo Mewat is more than a tournament—it is a movement. In a district once synonymous with cybercrime and addiction, cricket pitches and volleyball courts are now symbols of hope. As the youth of Nuh trade laptops for wrestling mats and drugs for discipline, the region is witnessing a quiet revolution powered by sport and community spirit.
Sources: Times of India, The Tribune, Khelo Mewat Official Portal.
