AP Police Hosts Prestigious All India Police South Zone T20 Cricket Tournament
In a significant event highlighting the importance of sports in law enforcement, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha inaugurated the 2nd edition of the All India Police South Zone T20 Cricket Tournament 2025-26 on Friday. The tournament, organized under the aegis of the All India Police Sports Control Board, New Delhi, is being hosted by the Andhra Pradesh police department at the Mangalagiri APSP 6th Battalion.
Minister Emphasizes Sports for Police Unity and Well-being
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha underscored the demanding nature of police service and praised sporting events for their multifaceted benefits. She stated that such competitions strengthen unity, promote discipline, and enhance the physical and mental well-being of police personnel. After receiving a guard of honour, she officially declared the tournament open, linking it to broader sports development in the state.
Anitha highlighted that the proposed world-class sports city in Amaravati would benefit from the momentum generated through this tournament. She expressed optimism that this event would pave the way for hosting more major sports tournaments in the future, boosting Andhra Pradesh's profile in the sporting arena.
Tournament Details and Participation
The five-day tournament is scheduled to be held from February 20 to 24 at the Mulapadu Cricket Stadium in Vijayawada. A total of 10 teams from six states, two union territories, and two central armed police forces will compete in the T20 format. This diverse participation underscores the national scope of the event and its role in fostering camaraderie among police forces across regions.
DGP Highlights Unity and Service Spirit
Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta, speaking on the occasion, described the T20 tournament as a symbol of unity, discipline, and service spirit among police forces nationwide. He noted that it was a matter of pride for the AP police to host the South Zone tournament, following their successful organization of the 2nd All India weightlifting cluster competitions last year.
In a landmark announcement, DGP Gupta revealed that, for the first time in the history of All India police sports, the cricket matches will be livecast from the semi-final stage on DD Sports. This broadcast will enable viewers in nearly 160 countries to watch the matches, significantly increasing the event's visibility and reach.
Key Officials and Future Implications
The inauguration was attended by several senior police officials, including Additional DGP (law and order) N Madhusudhan Reddy, IG (welfare and sports) KV Mohan Rao, and DIG (welfare and sports) Anburajan. Their presence highlighted the administrative support for promoting sports within the police force.
This tournament not only serves as a platform for competitive cricket but also reinforces the importance of sports in building a resilient and cohesive police community. With live broadcasting and plans for future events, it sets a precedent for enhancing sports infrastructure and participation in Andhra Pradesh and beyond.
