The 74th Odisha Police Athletics Championship 2026 began today at the Reserve Police Ground in Buxi Bazaar, Cuttack.
DGP Vinaytosh Mishra, IPS, Crime Branch Chief, inaugurated the event as the chief guest and described the championship as a symbol of discipline, endurance, and resilience within the Odisha Police.
Mishra highlighted that the championship provides serving personnel an opportunity to showcase physical and mental skills. He expressed happiness over the increased participation of women athletes this year. He noted that Odisha Police athletes have previously achieved success at national and international police sports competitions, bringing pride to the state and the department.
The DGP emphasised that such events strengthen confidence, discipline, and dedication among officers and staff. He added that participation from state, district, and range-level players fosters coordination and camaraderie. Mishra thanked DG Reserve Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania for organising and managing the championship.
This year, 36 police teams from across Odisha are competing, with 502 athletes in total—427 men and 75 women. The championship will continue until February 10.
Senior officers, including ADG Sanjay Kumar, ADG Prateek Mohanty, IGP S. Praveen Kumar, IGP Satish Kumar Ishwardas Gajbhiye, IGP Jay Narayan Pankaj, DIG Charan Singh Meena, DCP Rishikesh Dnyandeo Khilari, and Commandant Surya Narayan Mallik, attended the inaugural ceremony.
