The much-awaited Police Soccer League – 2025 (PSL-2025) kicked off with great enthusiasm today at IRBn Headquarters, Port Mout, marking a celebration of both sportsmanship and service. The vibrant opening ceremony was followed by a thrilling inaugural match, setting the stage for weeks of spirited competition across the Islands.
In a heartfelt gesture, the playground at the IRBn Headquarters was formally named Goma Sports Park in memory of Late Head Constable (GD) Goma Barraik, who laid down his life in the line of duty. The dedication ceremony, attended by Barraik’s family members, added a solemn yet proud note to the event, honoring his sacrifice and immortalizing his contribution to the police fraternity.
The opening ceremony was graced by Inspector General of Police, Smt. Geeta Rani Verma, IPS, who was joined by Smt. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, Commandant (IRBn), Smt. Apoorva Gupta, IPS, and other senior officers of the Andaman & Nicobar Police. The dignitaries officially launched the league and jointly witnessed the inaugural match between Divyanka NFC, Diglipur, and Spark’s Boys, Bird Line, where Divyanka NFC clinched a narrow 1-0 victory, igniting excitement among players and spectators alike.
The Police Soccer League – 2025 has drawn 28 teams from local clubs, educational institutions, and youth organizations across the Islands. The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with teams divided into four pools. Matches are being scheduled under both day and night conditions at Goma Sports Park, ensuring wider public participation and engagement.
Beyond competition, the league represents a significant initiative by the India Reserve Battalion (IRBn) to foster physical fitness, discipline, and team spirit among the police personnel, while also serving as a platform to strengthen Police-Public relations through the unifying energy of football.
Organizers hope that the league will encourage young islanders to engage more actively in sports and community-building initiatives. The matches are expected to continue over the coming weeks, culminating in semifinals and the grand finale slated for next month.
As the first whistle of the Police Soccer League 2025 echoed across Goma Sports Park, it signaled more than just the start of a tournament, it celebrated unity, resilience, and the shared passion for the beautiful game within the policing community and beyond.
