NEW DELHI: The much-awaited 73rd All India Police Athletic Cluster Championship finally gets underway with the colour-splashing opening ceremony held on Sunday at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in News Delhi. Organised by Delhi Police under the aegis of the All India Police Sports Control Board, the championship has been gathering police athletes from all over the nation for five days of sharp competition in athletic and cycling events. Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, inaugurated the event as Chief Guest and also graced the ceremony, where the renowned former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag was also present.
In his address, the Chief Guest, LG Delhi explained the importance of sports in the daily life and mentioned that sports teaches discipline and discipline is the key to success. Vinai Kumar Saxena also quoted the words of Prime Minister Modi shared with the Indian participants/players after the Paris Olympic i.e., “Sports is a field where no one ever truly loses, and every player always learns something new.” It would include 1,123 police personnel from 39 teams of 25 states, four union territories, and ten CAPFs. Athletic events would be organised at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium and cycling events at NIDM, Sector 29, Rohini, from November 10 to November 14.
It will include 45 athletic events on track and field, jumping and throwing, and seven competitive events in cycling for both men and women. The championship aims to raise the physical fitness levels of police officers, encourage teamwork, brotherhood, and a spirit of camaraderie among members, discover talented young athletes, and integrate the community into sports.
Nineteen dedicated committees of 2nd Battalion DAP from Delhi Police are organising the championship to make the event hassle-free. DPA Wazirabad will host a games village for 985 sportspersons from states, union territories, and CAPFs, while technical officials will be accommodated in 60 rooms at JLN Stadium. 80 minibuses for transport have been arranged with 50 pick-up vans for food, equipment, and cycles and 60 cars for officials and managers of teams. Medical facilities are being made available at each of the venues. Some of the major facilities include: Ambulances, doctors, and medical staff are present at all venues. Hospital teams have also remained on standby at Safdarjung Hospital in JLN Stadium, Maharaja Agrasen Hospital in Rohini, and GTB Hospital in DPA Wazirabad.