Thiruvananthapuram | Allianz Services India, the largest Global Capability Center (GCC) of Allianz Group, inaugurated the 9th edition of the VENDA Cup 2026 – Game for S.A.F.E. (Substance Abuse-Free Environment) at the Jimmy George Sports Hub, Thiruvananthapuram. A Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by Allianz Services India in partnership with Fourth Wave Foundation, the VENDA Cup is an all-Kerala inter-school football tournament that uses the power of sport to shield children and young adults from drug dependence, arriving at a critical time for the state. While Kerala State Government's enforcement drives like Operation Toofan are essential, prevention is equally critical, and that is precisely what the VENDA Cup delivers. The ceremony also featured the Fair Play Pledge, an Anti-Drug Pledge, and the unveiling of the official jerseys and championship trophies.
“All CSR activities undertaken by the Allianz Group are exemplary and commendable. Among them, the 'VENDA Cup' is one of the most exemplary initiatives they have taken up. The support it extends to Operation Toofan through this is immense. Therefore, please continue such efforts moving forward. The goal of both Operation Toofan and the VENDA Cup is the same—only their paths are different,” said Ramesh Chennithala, Minister for Home and Vigilance, inaugurating the event. “We are all committed to make Kerala a drug-free state and in coming days, with all the support and united efforts of all, we can make Kerala drug-free state.” He added
“Substance abuse can be fully eradicated from our society not merely through legal actions, but when awareness programs are conducted alongside them. Sports play a very crucial role in this effort. Along with saying 'No' to drugs, opportunities must be created to encourage them to say 'Yes' to sports. For this, the most important thing is to engage them in tournaments like the 'VENDA Cup', recognize their talents, and provide them with the necessary encouragement so that they can emerge as great sports personalities in the future," said O. J. Janeesh, Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Kerala.”
VENDA Cup 2026 brings together 1,600 players –800 boys and 800 girls across 160 school teams from all 14 districts of Kerala, organized into four zones: Kannur, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, with zonal qualifiers through September and October 2026 culminating in the State Championships on 23–24 October 2026 in Ernakulam. At the VENDA Cup, the Fair Play Player Award will be given after every match and the Fair Play Team Award, the tournament's highest honour, going to teams that demonstrate outstanding fairness and team spirit throughout. Venda Cup, the flagship program of Project VENDA developed by Fourth Wave Foundation has been recognized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as a best practice for prevention interventions.
Diana Vincent, Founder and Director, Fourth Wave Foundation, said: "What began as a conviction has become a body of evidence-based, replicable programs across child protection, substance-abuse prevention and inclusive education – trusted by communities and strengthened by partners like Allianz Services who share our commitment to lasting change."
Jison John, CEO and MD, Allianz Services India and Chief Delivery Officer (Asia and Africa), Allianz Services, said: "At Allianz Services, we bring our promise of Confidence in Tomorrow to life through action. Kerala has been home to us for over two decades, and the VENDA Cup is how we give back — a shield of sport, belonging and aspiration for young lives when prevention matters most. From VENDA Cup to Plastic Waste-Free Rivers to Captain Lakshmi Inclusive Park, beyond sponsorship, our colleagues show up and participate.
That is how confidence in Tomorrow is built — not through words, but through action."
