The 78th State Police Men’s Kabaddi Championship and the 10th Police Handball Championship concluded in Keonjhar with grandeur, graced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The event showcased Odisha Police’s sporting prowess, with Cuttack’s 6th Battalion emerging victorious in Kabaddi by defeating Rourkela’s 4th Battalion, and Dhenkanal clinching the Handball title by overcoming Keonjhar.
Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi praised the Odisha Police athletes for their exceptional performances, not only bringing pride to the state but also contributing significantly to India’s medal tally on the international stage. “Our police personnel are not just guardians of law and order but also champions in sports, inspiring a healthy and disciplined environment,” he said. He emphasised the state’s commitment to the motto, “Healthy Youth, Healthy Odisha,” underscoring the role of sports in fostering a vibrant society.
The Chief Minister highlighted the transformative impact of sports like Kabaddi, which instils courage, self-discipline, and quick decision-making, and Handball, which promotes resilience, teamwork, and mutual respect. He expressed confidence that today’s athletes could become future national team members, Asian Games medalists, or even Olympic champions, citing the remarkable contributions of police, army, and paramilitary forces to Indian sports.
To strengthen the Odisha Police, CM Majhi announced the creation of 16,000 new posts and the filling of an equal number of vacant positions, with recruitment already underway. Over the next few years, the force will see a total addition of 32,000 personnel. He also reiterated the government’s dedication to modernising the police force in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Smart Policing.’
The state government is prioritising sports as a way of life, with plans to construct 314 block-level stadiums over the next five years at a cost of ₹4,124 crore. For 2025-26, ₹825 crore has been allocated for these stadiums. Additionally, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Koraput will be developed as sports hubs to nurture talent at the grassroots level.
The event saw the presence of dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP Sujit Kumar, Keonjhar MP Anant Nayak, MLAs Badri Narayan Patra, Sanatan Mahakud, Akhila Nayak, Fakir Mohan Nayak, and Abhimanyu Sethi, along with senior police officials like DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, STF Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, DIG Brijesh Ray, and District Collector Vishal Singh. The winners and runners-up were felicitated by the Chief Minister, marking a celebration of sportsmanship and dedication.
