Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police on Sunday set the stage for the 73rd edition of the All-India Police Hockey Championship 2025 with a spirited and ceremonial Curtain-Raiser at the Police Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
Organized under the aegis of the All-India Police Sports Control Board, the event officially marked the beginning of one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Indian Police Sporting Calendar.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania expressed pride in Odisha 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 said.
The championship, set to be held from April 7 to April 15 at the internationally renowned Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, will feature 48 matches among 26 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams.
Teams from various Central Armed Police Forces — including CISF, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, and SSB — have arrived in Bhubaneswar, bringing with them a rich tradition of competitive spirit and camaraderie. In this edition of the championship, teams from 21 states are participating.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the unveiling of the championship’s official mascot, “ASHA.” Inspired by the true story of an injured elephant calf rescued by Odisha’s Forest Department and now nurtured at Nandan Kanan Zoo, ASHA embodies resilience, compassion, and Odisha’s commitment to wildlife conservation. A short video narrating her story moved many in the audience, serving as a reminder of the deeper values behind the games.
“ASHA is more than just a mascot — she represents Odisha’s spirit of strength and sustainability,” said Khurania. “We hope ASHA inspires every player and spectator throughout this championship.”
Adding to the credibility and competitive edge of the tournament, referees and technical officials appointed by Hockey India will oversee the matches, ensuring high standards of fairness and professionalism. Several international-level players are also set to participate, promising top-tier action on the field.
The evening concluded with a media interaction session, setting the tone for an exciting week of hockey in the heart of Odisha.
As the tournament kicks off at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, all eyes will be on Temple City Bhubaneswar — a city that continues to champion the cause of Indian hockey, both on and off the field.
Present at the event were ADGP (Hdqrs)-cum-Vice Chairman, AIPHC-2025, Dayal Gangwar, ADGP (SAP)-cum-Vice Chairman, AIPHC-2025, Rajesh Kumar, IGP (Trg.)-cum-Org. Secy, AIPHC-2025, Anup Kumar Sahoo, Team Managers and Captains, Observers from the All India Police Sports Control Board and officers of the Odisha Police.
