SportsPosted at: Oct 10 2026 12:27AM


29 police teams battle for national honours as All India Handball Cluster opens in Panchkula

Bhanu (Panchkula), Oct 9 (UNI) - The battle for national supremacy in police handball and basketball began at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Basic Training Centre in Bhanu on Friday, with 29 teams representing 23 states and six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) competing in the third All India Police Handball Cluster 2026.
The five-day championship, scheduled to conclude on October 13, features separate men's and women's competitions in both disciplines, bringing together experienced police athletes and emerging sporting talent from across the country.
According to the organisers, 740 male and 347 female athletes are participating in the championship, which will see defending champions attempt to retain their titles against challengers from state police organisations and central armed police forces.
ITBP Additional Director General Sanjay Gunjyal, inaugurated the championship and called upon the athletes to demonstrate competitive excellence while maintaining discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Gunjyal said sports played a crucial role in developing the physical fitness, mental strength and professional capabilities of police personnel.
He said competitive sporting events helped strengthen qualities such as leadership, quick decision-making, coordination and the ability to perform under pressure, which were equally important in operational duties.
The championship is expected to witness closely contested matches as the title holders from the previous edition return to defend their crowns.
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) enters the women's handball competition as the defending champion, while the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will seek to retain the men's handball title.
In basketball, Kerala Police will defend the women's championship, while Uttar Pradesh Police will attempt to retain the men's title.
The presence of the four defending champions, alongside competing teams from across the country, has added significance to this year's tournament.
The handball competition will test the athletes' attacking combinations, passing accuracy, defensive strength and ability to make quick decisions, while the basketball contests will demand speed, shooting precision, ball control and tactical coordination.
Apart from the competition for national honours, the championship provides police athletes with an opportunity to gain experience against players from different forces and develop stronger professional and sporting ties.
Earlier, ITBP Basic Training Centre Inspector General Ramakant Sharma welcomed the participating teams, coaches, referees and officials. He said national-level competitions offered police personnel a platform to demonstrate their sporting abilities, exchange experiences and strengthen mutual understanding among different police organisations.
The organisers said the championship also aimed to encourage young athletes and promote the spirit of national unity, discipline and healthy competition among personnel serving in different regions of the country.
The matches will continue until October 13, when the champions in men's and women's handball and basketball will be decided.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by ITBP Deputy Inspector General, Western Command, Mohit Chawla, who expressed gratitude to the participating teams, officials, coaches, referees and organisers for their contribution to the championship.
UNI KK RN
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