Sudam Babu | State Bureau Chief Odisha

Bhubaneswar, September 25: The 76th State Police Hockey Championship–2026 came to an exciting conclusion at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, with the OSAP 4th Battalion, Rourkela securing the championship title after a closely contested final.

The Rourkela-based battalion defeated Rourkela Police District 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the title match to claim the championship trophy. The OSAP 6th Battalion, Cuttack finished third in the tournament.

Odisha Director General of Police Binaytosh Mishra attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest and handed over the championship trophy to the winning side. Trophies were also presented to Rourkela Police District for finishing runners-up and OSAP 6th Battalion, Cuttack for securing third place.

DGP Praises Teams and Players

Congratulating the champions, DGP Mishra appreciated the commitment, discipline and sporting spirit demonstrated throughout the tournament. He also praised the players, coaches and organisers for their contribution to the successful conduct of the championship.

Speaking about Odisha’s connection with hockey, the DGP described the state as an important centre in the development and popularity of the sport in India. He highlighted the pride associated with the Odisha name appearing on the jersey of the Indian national hockey team.

Mishra also referred to the inclusion of former Indian hockey player Birendra Lakra in the Odisha Police and highlighted the recent performance of the Odisha Police women’s hockey team, which finished third in the All India Police Hockey Tournament.

He expressed confidence that the men’s and women’s hockey teams representing Odisha Police would continue to achieve success in future competitions.

18 Police Teams Took Part

The five-day championship was organised at Kalinga Stadium from September 21 to 25. A total of 18 teams representing different police districts, battalions and establishments participated in the competition.

Around 360 sportspersons took part in the tournament, making it a major sporting event for the Odisha Police.

The final produced a tense contest between OSAP 4th Battalion, Rourkela and Rourkela Police District. With the match remaining undecided in regulation play, the championship was settled through a penalty shootout, where OSAP 4th Battalion prevailed 3-2.

Individual Awards Announced

Several players were recognised for their performances during the championship.

Sushant Kumar Singh of OSAP 4th Battalion, Rourkela was named Best Goalkeeper, while Upendra Majhi of Sundargarh Police District received the Best Defender award.

Sudhir Barla of OSAP 6th Battalion, Cuttack was selected as Best Midfielder, while Satyananda Sahu of Rourkela Police District was declared Best Scorer.

The Best Player of the Final award went to Arun Mahanta of Rourkela Police District. His teammate Vijay Lakra was named Player of the Tournament.

Senior Police Officers Attend Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was attended by several senior officers, including Police Commissioner, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Dr. S. Devadatta Singh; Additional DGP (SAP) Rajesh Kumar; Additional DGP (Headquarters) Pratik Mohanty; IGP (Personnel) Praveen Kumar; Additional Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Narsingh Bhol; IGP (Crime Branch) Dr. Sarthak Sarangi; IGP (Provisioning) Niti Shekhar; IGP (Central Range) Dr. Satyajit Naik; 7th Battalion Commandant Prafulla Singh; and Odisha Police Headquarters Sports Officer Nilamadhab Swain.

The successful completion of the championship brought together police personnel from across Odisha in a competitive sporting environment while also highlighting the state’s continuing association with hockey.