Odisha CM Applauds Police Athletes at Kabaddi & Handball Championships

Keonjhar,  — The 78th State Police Men’s Kabaddi Championship and the 10th Police Handball Championship concluded with fervour and pride as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honoured the athletic excellence of Odisha Police personnel.

Cuttack’s 6th Battalion clinched the Kabaddi title, defeating Rourkela’s 4th Battalion, while Dhenkanal emerged victorious in Handball against host district Keonjhar.

The CM lauded the athletes for their dual commitment to law enforcement and sportsmanship, stating, “Our police personnel are not just guardians of law and order but also champions in sports, inspiring a healthy and disciplined environment.”

Majhi emphasised the transformative power of sports, highlighting Kabaddi’s role in building courage and discipline, and Handball’s emphasis on teamwork and resilience.

He reiterated the state’s motto, “Healthy Youth, Healthy Odisha,” and expressed confidence that these athletes could one day represent India on global platforms like the Asian Games or Olympics.

In a major announcement, the CM revealed plans to bolster the police force by recruiting 32,000 personnel—16,000 new posts and 16,000 vacancies to be filled. He also reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to ‘Smart Policing’ in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

To nurture grassroots talent, the state will invest Rs 4,124 crore to build 314 block-level stadiums over five years, with Rs 825 crore allocated for 2025–26. Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Koraput are set to become sports hubs.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including MPs, MLAs, senior police officials, and the District Collector. Winners and runners-up were felicitated, marking a celebration of discipline, dedication, and Odisha’s growing sports culture.