Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar inaugurated the 11th All India Police Judo Cluster 2026 sports competitions at GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, held today under the aegis of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar stated that the Government of India promotes sports as a tool for nation-building and youth development. He mentioned that through initiatives such as Khelo India, Asian Games, World Police & Fire Games, etc., the Centre has expanded sports infrastructure across the country by increasing the sports budget to Rs. 4,480 crore – over Rs. 1,100 crores higher than the previous year. Reiterating India’s ambition to emerge as a leading global sporting nation, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar emphasized the country’s long-term Olympic aspiration to secure a place among the top five sporting nations by 2047.

He said, “These events bring police personnel from across the country together on a common platform, fostering camaraderie, mutual understanding, and a spirit of brotherhood, thereby strengthening national unity, integration, and the country's integrity. He also noted the increasing participation of women in police sports, describing it as an important step towards greater inclusion and empowerment. Also, these competitions are not just about winning gold, silver, or bronze medals. For police and security personnel, who protect the nation, guard its borders, secure vital installations, and work tirelessly to ensure public safety, sports are an integral part of their lives.”

Furthermore, the Minister of State for Home Affairs mentioned that since 1969, the CISF has been providing security to the nation’s vital assets and critical infrastructure. This includes airports, the Delhi Metro, heritage monuments, nuclear and space installations, public sector undertakings, prisons, as well as the Parliament House Complex—a symbol of the country's democracy. “It is a matter of pride for all of us that CISF Head Constable Abhimanyu recently won a gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championship and achieved a historic third place in the world wrestling rankings. This stands as a testament to the importance the CISF places on sports. However, what makes me truly proud are the visionary decisions recently taken by the CISF leadership. The force has undertaken several key initiatives for the welfare of athletes and has expanded its welfare schemes. Athletes are now receiving direct additional financial assistance, ensuring they face no hurdles regarding quality nutrition, modern sports equipment, or facilities for speedy recovery from injuries. These measures will greatly enable our athletes to showcase superior talent and bring more laurels to the nation,” he added.

Several senior officials, including Sh. Padmakar S. Ranpise, IPS ADG SOUTH/CISF, Sh. S.R. Saravanan, IPS, IG, APS-II/CISF,  Smt. Harpreet Kaur Sohi, IG/CISF, Director NISA, and PIB ADG Smt. Shruti Patil, IIS participated in the event. The 11th All India Police Judo Cluster 2026 will be held from 23rd to 30th July 2026. Over 1,600 sportspersons representing 36 State Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) organisations have taken part in the championship, competing in Judo, Wushu, Taekwondo, Karate and Pencak Silat. 

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