UP Police clinch double gold in basketball

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Police clinched gold medals in both the men's and women's basketball categories in the first edition of the All-India Police Handball & Basketball Cluster Tournament 2024–25. The event, hosted by the Uttar Pradesh Police, concluded at the 35th Battalion PAC grounds in Mahanagar on Friday. Digvijay Singh of UP Police was adjudged the best basketball player of the tournament.

Punjab Police claimed the men's and women's titles in the handball events.

DGP Prashant Kumar, who was the chief guest of the concluding ceremony, felicitated the winning teams and standout performers.

At least 75 teams representing state police forces, Union territories, and central paramilitary units participated in the five-day tournament. A total of 1,068 players — 311 women and 757 men — competed in handball and basketball matches held across multiple venues in the city.

Lauding the spirit and discipline displayed throughout the event, the DGP said, "This event was a celebration of national unity, teamwork, and the unbreakable bond shared by forces across India. You not only played matches here but built lasting memories and relationships that go beyond the game."

"For the police, sports are not just about fitness or recreation. It instils decision-making, courage, and a sense of duty in personnel — qualities that define a good officer," he said.

The DGP also highlighted Uttar Pradesh's efforts to promote sports among police personnel, citing the UP Police Skilled Sportspersons Recruitment and Promotion Rules-2021, which provide special recruitment, rewards, and out-of-turn promotions for outstanding athletes. "Over 500 sportspersons were inducted under this initiative and are now representing the state at national and international levels," he added.

Senior police officials, including ADG PAC Sujeet Pandey, IG PAC Central Zone Preetinder Singh, and IG PAC UP Ashutosh Kumar, joined the DGP in congratulating participants, coaches, and organisers for the seamless conduct of the championship.

Special director of the Intelligence Bureau RA Chandrashekhar, and a representative of the All-India Police Sports Control Board, commended Uttar Pradesh Police for hosting a tournament of national scale with efficiency and excellence.

Courtesy – Times of India