Bhubaneswar: The 73rd All India Police Hockey Championship – 2025 was inaugurated with great fervour at the 7th Battalion Ground in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant moment in the country’s police sporting calendar. The event is being hosted by the Odisha Police under the aegis of the All India Police Sports Control Board.
The grand opening ceremony was graced by Director General of Police, Odisha, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, who received the ceremonial salute and addressed the gathering. In his inaugural speech, the DGP welcomed participating teams, coaches, and sports officers from across the country, emphasizing the vital role of sports in fostering fitness, discipline, and camaraderie within the police forces.
Highlighting Odisha’s growing prominence in national sports, especially in water sports, shooting, and hockey, Khurania lauded the state’s consistent efforts in promoting athletic excellence. He paid glowing tribute to Sundargarh District, known as the cradle of Indian hockey, for producing legendary players like Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey, Lazarus Barla, Prabodh Tirkey, Birendra Lakra, and Lilima Minz—figures who have brought immense pride to the nation.
The DGP also expressed gratitude to the Government of Odisha for sponsoring Indian Hockey for the next ten years and for its unwavering support in organizing the championship. He offered special thanks to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who approved all necessary arrangements and will grace the Closing Ceremony as the Chief Guest.
The championship will be held from April 7 to April 15, 2025, at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Teams from various State Police forces and Central Armed Police Forces are participating in the tournament, which will follow a league-cum-knockout format. The event is being organized with full support from the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, and the Odisha Hockey Association.
The opening proceedings began with an address by Anup Kumar Sahoo, IGP (Training) and Organizing Secretary, followed by a welcome speech from Dayal Gangwar, Additional DGP (Headquarters) and Vice President of the Organizing Committee.
To ensure seamless execution of the championship, various committees—ranging from protocol, accommodation, transport, publicity, security, and medical—have been established under the supervision of senior police officials. A special mascot designed for the event was also unveiled during the ceremony.
