73rd All India Police Hockey Championship: Punjab, CRPF clinch titles

Bhubaneswar: Punjab (Men) and CRPF (Women) emerged champions at the 73rd All India Police Hockey Championship-2025, which concluded in a grand ceremony at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
The event, graced by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, saw Punjab defeat CRPF 2-1 in a thrilling men’s final, while CRPF edged out SSB with a narrow 1-0 win in the women’s summit clash.
The Governor presented trophies to the winners and runners-up, acknowledging not only the champions but also the fierce competition and sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament.
CRPF (Men) and SSB (Women) finished as runners-up, while ITBP (Men) and Odisha Police (Women) secured third place after hard-fought bronze medal matches.
A total of 26 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams from state police forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and central police organizations participated in this prestigious tournament. The championship showcased a high level of talent and teamwork, underscoring the Indian Police’s longstanding contribution to national sports.
Odisha Police, the host team, took pride in securing third place in the women’s category, having defeated ITBP in a gritty contest. ITBP, in turn, overcame BSF to bag the bronze medal in the men’s section.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Kambhampati extended his heartfelt congratulations to the winning teams and lauded the exemplary sportsmanship and dedication of all participants. “The Indian Police has produced many exceptional sportspersons who have made the country proud. Their dual role in serving the nation and excelling in sports is truly commendable,” he said.
He also praised the Odisha government’s sustained efforts to promote hockey and its growing legacy in the sport, pointing to the state’s recent victory in the 14th Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship 2024. Highlighting the state’s infrastructure, he noted Odisha’s pride in hosting two world-class hockey arenas — Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium and Rourkela’s Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, the largest of its kind globally.
DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania emphasized that the championship has been instrumental in fostering unity, brotherhood, and camaraderie among police forces. “This championship is not the end, but a new beginning,” he said, encouraging everyone to carry the spirit of sportsmanship into their daily duties and lives.
The closing ceremony was attended by senior police officials including Additional DGP Dayal Gangwar, Additional DGP (Armed) Rajesh Kumar, Joint Director IB Rajesh Subarna, IG (Training) Anup Kumar Sahu, and Hockey India President Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey.
The presence of international hockey icons like Birendra Lakra and Manpreet Singh added further prestige to the tournament, which was successfully organized under the auspices of the All India Police Sports Control Board.
Odisha Police extended its congratulations to all the winning teams and participants, thanking everyone involved in making the 73rd All India Police Hockey Championship-2025 a resounding success and a celebration of national unity and athletic excellence.