Today marked the grand inauguration of the 73rd All India Police Hockey Championship – 2025, hosted by the Odisha Police under the aegis of the All-India Police Sports Control Board.
The ceremony, held at the 7th Battalion Ground in Bhubaneswar, was graced by Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, Director General of Police, Odisha, who served as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Shri Khurania welcomed teams from across the country, emphasizing the integral role of sports in fostering fitness, discipline, and camaraderie within police forces. He celebrated Odisha’s growing prominence in national sports and highlighted the Sundargarh District’s unmatched legacy as the cradle of Indian hockey, recognizing legends like Dilip Tirkey, Lazarus Barla, and Birendra Lakra. Special appreciation was extended to the Government of Odisha for sponsoring Indian Hockey for the next decade and ensuring world-class arrangements for this event.
The championship, scheduled from April 7 to April 15, 2025, features teams from state police and central armed police forces. Matches will follow a league-cum-knockout format at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. Shri Khurania called for high standards in hospitality and logistics, encouraging players to uphold the values of fair play and sportsmanship.
