Kolkata Mounted Police Prioritizes T20 World Cup Security Over Championship Participation
The Kolkata Mounted Police, a historic unit with 186 years of service, has made the difficult decision to skip the prestigious All-India Police Equestrian Championship and Mounted Police Duty Meet this year. This withdrawal comes despite the team's recent successes, including winning gold in a team event at the 2025 championship. The primary reason for their absence is the overwhelming security demands of the ongoing T20 cricket World Cup, with multiple matches scheduled at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens stadium.
From Tragedy to Triumph: A Resilient Unit's Journey
The Kolkata Mounted Police has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent years. In 2023, during the 50-over cricket World Cup, a tragic incident occurred where one horse died and two others were injured at the end of an India-South Africa match at Eden Gardens. Despite this setback, the team not only continued operations but achieved significant competitive success shortly afterward.
In 2025, the unit secured gold in the quadrille event at the championship held in Panchkula, Chandigarh, successfully defending against strong challenges from the Border Security Force (BSF) and Bengal Police. This victory marked their second consecutive gold in this event, a notable achievement considering they had previously only won silver and bronze medals. Interestingly, among the horses that contributed to this 2025 gold medal was Historian, one of the animals injured in the 2023 Eden Gardens incident.
T20 World Cup Responsibilities Take Priority
With seven T20 World Cup matches scheduled at Eden Gardens this year, including a potential semi-final, the Kolkata Police Mounted Unit faces unprecedented security challenges. An officer explained, "Although preparations for the competition began on behalf of Kolkata Police, we were ultimately forced to withdraw at the last moment, with the competition kicking off at Tekanpur in Gwalior in February."
The mounted unit's responsibilities extend beyond match-day crowd management. They are also crucial for ensuring security during ticket sales and managing the increased political activity in Kolkata due to the current election atmosphere. The recent rise in rallies and meetings has further strained their resources, making participation in a nearly three-week competition in another state an unacceptable risk.
Operational Challenges and Staffing Issues
Compounding these challenges are significant staffing shortages within the unit. Sources indicate that approximately 40 sowar (rider) positions remain vacant, with only about 20 constables possessing adequate horse-riding experience. This personnel deficit makes it particularly difficult to spare members for external competitions while maintaining essential security operations in Kolkata.
Meanwhile, the Bengal Police team is participating in the championship, which features 19 teams from various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police forces. The Kolkata unit's biggest test is expected on March 1, when India faces West Indies at the Super 8 stage at Eden Gardens, highlighting why their presence in the city is indispensable during this critical period.
