The closing ceremony of the 2nd All India Police Handball Cluster 2025-26, organised by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), was held on Friday at the Frontier Headquarters, SSB, Siliguri, marking the successful conclusion of a prestigious national-level sporting event from 19 to 23 January.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Singhal, Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal, said that the tournament was not merely a competitive sporting event but a powerful platform to strengthen mutual cooperation, camaraderie, discipline and healthy competition among the Central Armed Police Forces and State Police organisations. He emphasised that the smooth and successful conduct of the event reflected the organisational efficiency and professional ethos of SSB, rooted firmly in its core values of “Service, Security and Brotherhood.”
The DG informed that the championship witnessed the participation of 1,092 players, including 314 women and 778 men, along with 198 support staff, making it one of the largest police sporting events in recent years. In the Women’s Handball Final, SSB defeated Punjab Police to lift the title, while CISF emerged champions in the Men’s Handball, defeating Punjab Police. In Basketball, Kerala Police clinched the Women’s title, defeating SSB, whereas Uttar Pradesh Police won the Men’s Basketball championship, overcoming Kerala Police.
Individual excellence was also recognised, with Ms Prachi (SSB) and Mandeep (CISF) adjudged the Best Women and Men Players in Handball, respectively. In Basketball, Dolvi Sahu (SSB) received the Best Women Player Award, while Harsh Dagar (Uttar Pradesh Police) was named Best Men Player.
The Closing Ceremony was graced by the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Governor Mathur lauded the players for their discipline, dedication and exemplary sportsmanship, stating that such tournaments play a crucial role in fostering unity and mutual respect among the police forces of the country. Sharing his personal experience as a former national-level hockey player, the Governor said he deeply understood the discipline, balance and resilience required in the life of a sportsperson, and expressed pride in being part of the concluding ceremony.
The Governor presented trophies and awards to the winners and runners-up, and described the prize distribution ceremony as a motivating moment that reinforced the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork, leaving behind an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm and inspiration.