The Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, inaugurated the Khelo India Centres during a formal ceremony at the APU Police Line Complex in Sri Vijaya Puram. The Kayaking and Canoeing Centre was inaugurated physically at the APU Police Line, while the Boxing Centre at the IRBn Headquarters Campus, Port Mout, was inaugurated virtually.
The event marks a significant step in strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting youth development in the Islands. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Director General of Police, Sindhu Pillai, and the Inspector General of Police, Geeta Rani Verma, along with other members of the Andaman and Nicobar Police.
The Khelo India Centres have been established under the Government of India’s Khelo India Scheme, implemented through the Sports Authority of India. One district has been designated to host two sporting disciplines: Kayaking and Canoeing at the APU Police Line in Sri Vijaya Puram and Boxing at the IRBn Headquarters Campus in Port Mout. All statutory and procedural requirements, including funding support, finalization of standard operating procedures, execution of Memoranda of Understanding, and engagement of Past Champion Athletes and coaches, have been completed.
Following the guidelines of Khelo India Centres, two Past Champion Athletes were appointed to train in each discipline. Talent identification trials, conducted according to Khelo India Scheme and Sports Authority of India norms for the 12–18 years age group, resulted in the selection of 37 trainees in Kayaking and Canoeing and 18 trainees in Boxing.
The Khelo India Centres aim to provide structured, scientific, and sustained sports training to talented youth from the Islands. The initiative is designed to nurture future champions and provide opportunities for excellence in sports at the national level. During the inauguration, the Director General of Police encouraged the athletes to pursue their respective disciplines with dedication, discipline, and focus.
The establishment of the centres is expected to create a conducive environment for sports development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enhance talent identification, and support the growth of professional athletes from the region. This initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen youth engagement through sports and to develop competitive athletes in line with national sports objectives.
