Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Monday felicitated 12 outstanding sportspersons from the Odisha Police for their impressive performances at recent national-level sporting events. The felicitation ceremony was held at the Commissionerate Police Headquarters in Bhubaneswar, where the athletes were honoured for bringing laurels to the Odisha Police by winning medals in prestigious national championships.
The event celebrated the achievements of Odisha Police personnel who excelled in judo and taekwondo poomsae, highlighting the force’s growing presence in national sporting competitions alongside its commitment to public service.
Athletes Shine at National Championships
The honoured sportspersons represented Odisha Police in two major national competitions held over the past month.
The first event was the 11th All India Police Judo Cluster 2026–27, organised from July 23 to 30 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. Police teams from across the country participated in the championship, with Odisha Police athletes delivering commendable performances and securing medals in various categories.
The second competition was the 5th Senior National India Taekwondo Poomsae Championship 2026, conducted in Pune, Maharashtra, from July 8 to 11. Odisha Police athletes once again showcased their skills and earned medals, adding to the state’s tally at the national event.
Their achievements reflected months of rigorous training, discipline and dedication, while reinforcing Odisha Police’s emphasis on encouraging excellence in sports.
DGP Congratulates Medal Winners
Addressing the felicitation ceremony, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania congratulated the athletes for their remarkable accomplishments and appreciated their commitment to maintaining high standards both in policing and sports.
He noted that the medal-winning performances have enhanced the reputation of Odisha Police at the national level and serve as an inspiration for other personnel to pursue sporting excellence alongside their professional responsibilities.
The DGP also encouraged the athletes to continue their hard work and represent Odisha Police with distinction in future national and international competitions.
Cash Rewards for Outstanding Performances
As a token of appreciation, DGP Khurania presented cash incentives to the medal winners during the ceremony.
Under the reward scheme:
- Each silver medallist received ₹4,000.
- Each bronze medallist was awarded ₹3,000.
The cash awards were presented in recognition of the athletes’ dedication, perseverance and contribution to the prestige of the Odisha Police force.
Promoting Sports Within the Police Force
Odisha Police has consistently encouraged its personnel to participate in national sporting events by providing training opportunities and institutional support. Officials believe that involvement in sports not only enhances physical fitness but also promotes discipline, teamwork and resilience—qualities that are essential in policing.
The success of the 12 athletes at national championships is expected to motivate more police personnel to actively participate in competitive sports and strive for excellence at higher levels.
The felicitation ceremony concluded with appreciation for the athletes’ achievements and a reaffirmation of the Odisha Police’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent within the force.
