Jammu, Jan 30: The 72nd All India Police Hockey Championship, being held at Astro Turf K.K. Hakku Stadium Jammu, kicked off with a vibrant and colourful opening ceremony. The President of Hockey India, former captain of Indian Hockey Team, Padma Shri Awardee, Olympian & Arjuna Awardee, Dilip Tirkey who was the Chief Guest declared the championship open. Director General of Police J&K R. R. Swain was the Guest of honour on the occasion.
At the very outset the Chief Guest, DGP J&K and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to the legendary hockey wizard Ghyan Chand.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest Dilip expressed great joy and pride for being part of the opening ceremony of 72nd All India Hockey Championship and celebrating this lively ceremony with the citizens, participants and officers & officials of Jammu and Kashmir Police. Talking about the glory of hockey’s history, Dilip Tirkey said that 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 in the world, he added. He said that efforts are 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. He 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 in 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.
In his address, the DGP J&K R.R Swain praised Shri Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, for accepting the invitation to attend the ceremony on a short notice. 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, all the esteemed guests, members of the media, participating teams and support staff for their presence at the prestigious opening ceremony.
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.
He said that the All-India Police Hockey Championship, a eleven-day sports extravaganza will serve as a platform for people from different states and regions of India to come together and engage in healthy competition, exchanging ideas, strengthening bonds, and creating lasting memories. These experiences help to promote unity, solidarity, and a deeper connection between the diverse communities and cultures that make up India. He hoped that the people who have come from length and breadth of the country besides competing in the event would enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir.
In his welcome address, ADGP Armed J&K 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.
