New Delhi | July 18, 2025
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today felicitated the Indian contingent of police and fire services personnel who brought home an impressive 613 medals from the 21st World Police and Fire Games 2025, held recently in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. The ceremony took place in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials, including the Director of Intelligence Bureau and Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs.
Shri Shah lauded the contingent for their “stellar performance that has made 1.4 billion Indians proud,” and highlighted India’s growing presence in global multi-sport events. "This is the world’s largest sporting event after the Olympics and Commonwealth Games in terms of participation, and our achievement is truly historic," he said.
₹4.38 Crore Incentive Announced; Next Edition in Gujarat
In a major push to institutionalize and motivate sports in police forces, Shri Shah announced a cash incentive of ₹4.38 crore for the medal winners. He revealed that the 2029 edition of the World Police and Fire Games will be hosted in India, across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Kevadia in Gujarat.
He urged the All India Police Sports Control Board to ensure representation from every police force across the country and set a target of at least three medals per team to surpass the current medal tally. “Our players should aim like Arjun – focused, unwavering, and determined to win,” Shah remarked.
Sports as a Tool for Policing Excellence and Stress Relief
Emphasizing the role of sports in professional excellence, the Home Minister said, “Participation in sports not only builds the will to win but also teaches one to gracefully accept defeat. It’s from the field that the culture of excellence originates.”
Shri Shah advised that police officers should begin their mornings with parades and end their days playing sports with their teams. “This will help reduce stress and foster team spirit across ranks. A sporting culture will translate into improved performance and morale,” he said.
National Sports Bill to Recognize Police Forces
Referring to the upcoming National Sports Bill, Shri Shah announced that it includes provisions for the recognition of police forces at the state level, enabling them to compete as units in national events.
He also mentioned several initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs last year, such as:
Revised recruitment rules to identify sports talent,
Formation of 25 outdoor sports teams in every Central Armed Police Force (CAPF),
Establishment of joint CAPF sports teams,
Deployment of world-class coaches and specialized sports injury medical support.
A Fivefold Rise in Sports Budget Under Modi Government
Highlighting the Modi government's decade-long commitment to sports development, Shah noted a fivefold increase in the national sports budget. Under the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), nearly 3,000 elite athletes are receiving ₹50,000 monthly stipends to prepare for the 2036 Olympic Games.
India is also bidding to host the Olympics in 2036, having already submitted proposals for the Commonwealth and Asian Games. Shah expressed confidence that India will rank in the top five in the 2036 Olympics medal tally.
Sports to Reach Every Village, Every Child
Reaffirming the government’s grassroots approach, Shri Shah said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, efforts are being made to bring sports to every village. The identification and scientific training of children across sporting disciplines is underway, paving the way for a “golden sporting era” in India.
