Bhopal: On Monday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the 24th All India Police Water Sports Competition, a five-day event held at the Boat Club, Bada Talab in Bhopal from February 17 to 21. The competition, organized by the Madhya Pradesh Police, has attracted around 557 participants from 22 states, union territories, and central armed forces, including 132 women athletes.
During his address, CM Yadav welcomed all police and armed forces personnel who traveled from across the nation to take part in the event. He expressed pride in the dual role of police officers, who not only maintain law and order but also excel in sports. “I congratulate them for showcasing their skills and making the country proud in various national and international competitions,” he stated.
After the inauguration, CM Yadav shared with reporters that the event features athletes competing in kayaking, canoeing, and rowing. He extended his best wishes to all participants, emphasizing the cultural value of hospitality with the phrase ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ and highlighted the importance of sports for health and personal development.
According to an official release, besides the Madhya Pradesh Police, teams from states such as Assam, Manipur, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Punjab, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Kerala, as well as paramilitary forces like CRPF, SSB, BSF, Assam Rifles, ITBP, Andaman & Nicobar, and Chandigarh, are participating. The five-day competition will feature 27 events in canoeing, kayaking, and rowing, with a total of 360 medals up for grabs (60 gold, 60 silver, and 60 bronze in both men’s and women’s categories).