LASHKARGAH (PAN): A football tournament featuring 26 teams from various districts of southern Helmand province got underway in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, on Sunday.

Squads from Lashkargah, Greshk, Nawa, Garmser and Marja districts are taking part in the event aimed at discouraging poppy cultivation in the province, the world's largest opium-producing region.

Sports Director Asmatullah Muslim told Pajhwok Afghan News as efforts at combating drugs had intensified across the country, the provincial sports department decided to organise the tournament to give the youth a chance to play their role.

The opener between Khurasan and Wahdat Clubs ended in a draw, he said, adding the tournament would last 24 days.

ma/mud