Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police today officially kickstarted the countdown to the 73rd All India Police Hockey Championship 2025 with a spirited curtain-raiser ceremony at Police Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Held under the aegis of the All India Police Sports Control Board, the event marked the formal beginning of one of the most prestigious and anticipated tournaments in the Indian police sporting calendar.
In his address, Director General of Police, Odisha, Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, IPS, expressed immense pride in Odisha hosting the championship for the second time. “We are honored to once again welcome teams from across India to our soil. This tournament represents discipline, teamwork, dedication, and excellence — values that resonate deeply with the police force,” he stated.
The championship will be held from 7th to 15th April at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar — a venue that has hosted several global tournaments. The 2025 edition will feature 48 matches played by 26 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams, including representation from 21 states and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as CISF, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, and SSB.
This extensive participation reflects the growing stature of the tournament and the vibrant culture of sportsmanship in India’s police forces.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the tournament’s official mascot, “ASHA” — an injured elephant calf rescued by the Odisha Forest Department and now thriving under care at Nandankanan Zoo. The short video narrating ASHA’s story moved many in the audience, serving as a touching reminder of the values the championship seeks to uphold.
“‘ASHA’ is more than just a mascot — she represents Odisha’s spirit of strength, resilience, and sustainability,” said Khurania. “We hope ‘ASHA’ inspires every player and spectator throughout this championship.”
To ensure professionalism and fairness on the field, referees and technical officials appointed by Hockey India will oversee the matches. The tournament will also see the participation of several international-level players, promising high-caliber hockey action for fans and spectators alike.
The curtain raiser concluded with a media interaction session and heartfelt camaraderie among team representatives, officials, and organizers. As the puck drops at Kalinga Stadium in just a few days, all eyes turn to Bhubaneswar, a city that has steadily emerged as a hub for Indian hockey, not just through infrastructure but through commitment and passion.
The event was graced by ADGP (Headquarters)-cum-Vice Chairman AIPHC 2025, Dayal Gangwar, ADGP (SAP)-cum-Vice Chairman, Rajesh Kumar, and IGP (Training)-cum-Organizing Secretary, Anup Kumar Sahoo. Also present were team managers and captains, representatives from the All India Police Sports Control Board, and senior officers from the Odisha Police.
