J&K Police has deep commitment not only to sports but through sports to citizens of UT, says
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: President Hockey India and former India captain, Dilip Tirkey on Tuesday declared open the 72nd All India Police Hockey Championship, being hosted by J&K Police at K K Hakku Stadium, here.
Dilip Tirkey was accompanied by the Director General of J&K Police, RR Swain and officials of Hockey J&K and senior officers of host JKP.
At the very outset the dignitaries paid floral tributes to the legendary hockey wizard, Ghyan Chand.
Speaking to the gathering of participating teams and distinguished guests, Dilip Tirkey expressed great joy and pride for being part of the opening ceremony of the National hockey event.
Complimenting the All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) for taking initiative and efforts in promoting hockey in India, he said that Police forces from different States and UTs have given great players to the Indian hockey team.
He appreciated the efforts of Jammu and Kashmir Police for promoting 25 different sports disciplines and complimented the force for hosting the Hockey Championship for the fourth time.
Dilip Tirkey said, “Hockey was the only sport which brought laurels for the country between 1928 to 1960 in Olympics. Hockey has made a special place in sports not only in India but also at the world stage.”
He further said that efforts were being made to the fullest to revive the hockey in India for which hockey India leagues/tournaments are being organised that will provide a platform for the budding hockey players to play alongside with top international players.
Tirkey recalled that in the year 2000 he was adjudged as the player of the tournament while taking part in the national hockey championship organised here at the KK Hakku Stadium Jammu and as such the venue and city of Jammu has a special place in his heart. He wished all the best to all the participating teams.
Earlier, the DGP J&K, R.R Swain praised Dilip Tirkey for accepting the invitation to attend the ceremony. Lauding Tirkey as a true sports enthusiast and a humble person, the DGP said that J&K Police and the citizens of the UT are proud of his presence at the opening ceremony of the mega event. The DGP also expressed his gratitude to Aditya Kumar, observer from AIPSCB New Delhi, Rizwan Khan of Maharashtra as Tournament Director and all the guests.
Underlining the role, the J&K Police has been playing in promoting sports and fostering a sense of unity, the DGP said that J&K Police is the backbone in sports for the UT and this force has deep commitment not only to the sports but through the sports to the citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also expressed his gratitude to the organizing secretary, ADGP Armed, and his team for efficient efforts in organizing this mega event.
In his welcome address, ADGP Armed, S.J.M Gillani also extended his gratitude to Dilip Tirkey for attending the event and other dignitaries for their support. He highlighted the importance of hockey as a national sport in India and its ability to connect people across different states and regions.
Besides the oath ceremony and scintillating march past by the participating teams, the opening ceremony also featured a captivating cultural program in which artists performed regional songs, which set the tone for this prestigious sports event.
The Results (League Round): West Bengal Police beat Lelangana Police 8-1; Jharkhand Police beat Puducherry Police 4-3. Player of the Match, Ayub Mundu.
