Today, Odisha Police officially set the stage for the 73rd All India Police Hockey Championship 2025 with a vibrant and ceremonial curtain-raiser held at Police Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
This prestigious tournament, organized under the aegis of the All-India Police Sports Control Board, stands as a hallmark of teamwork, discipline, and dedication within the Indian Police Sporting Calendar.
Presiding over the occasion, Odisha’s Director General of Police, Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, IPS, expressed immense pride in 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 remarked.
The championship will unfold from 7th to 15th April at the internationally celebrated Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. It will feature 48 matches, involving 26 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams. Participants include Central Armed Police Forces like CISF, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, and SSB, along with teams from 21 Indian states, showcasing a rich tapestry of camaraderie and competitive spirit.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the official mascot, “ASHA.” Inspired by the real story of an injured elephant calf rescued by Odisha’s Forest Department and thriving under care at Nandankanan Zoo, ASHA symbolizes resilience, compassion, and Odisha’s commitment to wildlife conservation. The emotional unveiling, accompanied by a video narrating ASHA’s journey, resonated deeply with the audience.
“ASHA is more than just a mascot—she embodies Odisha’s spirit of strength and sustainability,” emphasized Shri Khurania. “We hope ASHA inspires every player and spectator throughout this championship.”
To ensure the highest standards of fairness and professionalism, referees and technical officials appointed by Hockey India will oversee the matches. With international-level players participating, the championship promises thrilling action and unforgettable moments.
The evening concluded with a media interaction session, setting the tone for an exciting and competitive week of hockey in Odisha’s vibrant capital city. Temple City Bhubaneswar continues to uphold its legacy of championing Indian hockey both on and off the field.
