Kozhikode, Oct. 25 -- Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan today described sports as the strongest weapon against drug abuse and said the government would ensure that children were protected from the influence of drug mafias.

Inaugurating the 68th State School Sports Meet at the NIT ground here, he announced plans for a comprehensive sports development programme aimed at preparing the state for the 2036 Olympics.

The government would meet the entire expenditure of students taking part in competitions outside Kerala, including travel and daily allowances, ensuring that financial constraints did not burden athletes or their parents, Satheesan said.

He also announced measures to ensure that prize money earned by athletes for winning medals ...