Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav inaugurates National Equestrian Championship-2025

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, inaugurated the National Equestrian Championship-2025 (Tent Pegging) at PAP Campus, Jalandhar, on Saturday.

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Organised by Punjab Police under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India, the championship features 15 teams from various state Police Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Army, Navy, and private clubs, competing for the coveted title. A total of 125 horses and top riders from across the country will take part in the event, which will conclude on February 23.

In a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter), DGP Yadav expressed pride in Punjab Police’s role as hosts, stating, “This prestigious event brings together 15 teams, 125 horses, and top riders from across the country, including Police Forces, CAPFs, Army, Navy, and private clubs.” He also extended his best wishes to the Punjab Police’s 20-member equestrian team, which will be led by DIG Administration PAP Inderbir Singh, and will compete with 24 horses. It is noteworthy that an Indian Police Services (IPS) officer has qualified for the National Equestrian Championship for the first time.

The championship will see participation from 15 to 20 international players from different teams. International jury members, appointed by the Equestrian Federation of India, New Delhi, will judge the events throughout the competition.

DGP Yadav also emphasised the importance of the championship, stating, “This championship is a celebration of skill, discipline, and tradition, and I am especially proud to witness an IPS officer competing for the first time after qualifying at the national level.”

The event will also serve as a selection ground for the Indian team to represent the country in international competitions during the 2025-26 period. DGP Yadav, who is the Chief Patron of the National Equestrian Championship, invited the public and horse lovers to witness the spectacular event, with no separate ticket required for entry.

This is the third edition of the championship to be held at PAP Campus, following the events hosted in 2016 and 2017. The organising committee is headed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) MF Farooqui as Chairman and DIG Inderbir Singh as Organising Secretary. Commandant of the 7th Battalion PAP, Gurtejinder Singh, is serving as Show Secretary.

In his address to the press at the PAP Grounds in Jalandhar, DGP Yadav mentioned, “15 teams and 150 horse riders from various teams across the country are participating in the event, with teams from the Punjab Police, Army, Navy, ITBP, central forces, and private clubs among the participants. The event aims to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and set newer benchmarks in the glorious tradition of horse riding.”

DGP Yadav further noted that Punjab Police is also hosting the T-20 under the All India Police Games, which have been allotted to them, and other contests, including cluster events like volleyball and kabaddi. The Kabaddi Cluster is set to begin on March 9 this year. When asked about the issue of US deportees, the DGP declined to comment.