Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 24: The Police Soccer League–2025 (Season–1), a first-of-its-kind open-to-all night football tournament organized by the India Reserve Battalion, A&N Police, concluded successfully at the IRBn Headquarters, Port Mout, marking a significant milestone in promoting community-oriented policing through sports and youth engagement.
The tournament witnessed the participation of 28 teams from across the Islands, with 392 players competing in over 100 matches conducted under night conditions. Throughout its duration, the league showcased high levels of enthusiasm, discipline, and sportsmanship.
The final match, played under floodlights between the A&N Police Team and Baratang F.C., provided thrilling action, with the former emerging as the Champion after a hard-fought 2–0 victory.
The winning team (A&N Police) was awarded the Championship Trophy along with a cash prize of ₹50,000, while the Runner-Up (Baratang F.C.) received Trophies and a cash award of ₹35,000. The 3rd Place was secured by Shoal Bay Youth Club, and the 4th Place by Naya Gaon F.C., both were felicitated with Trophies and cash rewards of ₹12,000 and ₹10,000 respectively in recognition of their commendable performance.
Individual excellence was also recognized during the closing ceremony. Mr. K. Rakesh Kumar of Baratang F.C. was adjudged the Best Defender, while Mr. Abdul Aziz of the A&N Police Team received the Best Goalkeeper award. Both players were awarded a cash prize of ₹4,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Mr. P. Mohd. Sohail of the A&N Police Team, who also secured the highest number of goals in the tournament, was declared the Player of the Tournament and was awarded a cash prize of ₹7,000 for his exceptional overall performance.
The “Most Disciplined Team” award, along with a cash prize of ₹3,000, was conferred upon Bulls Eye Sporting Club, Dollygunj, for demonstrating exemplary conduct, fair play, and adherence to the highest standards of sportsmanship. The team was also honoured with a special trophy and certificate of recognition.
The closing ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Islands, accompanied by Smt. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, Commandant (IRBn), and other senior officers of the Andaman & Nicobar Police. The dignitaries appreciated the high standard of play, discipline, and sportsmanship displayed by the teams and commended the India Reserve Battalion for the seamless organization and successful conduct of the tournament.
Beyond the competitive spirit, the Police Soccer League–2025 carried a strong social message of “Say No to Drugs”, reinforcing the unwavering commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Police to protect youth from the menace of drug abuse. The tournament effectively leveraged sports as a powerful medium to channel youthful energy into positive pursuits, promoting discipline, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police reaffirm their commitment to continue such people-centric initiatives aimed at nurturing a drug-free, healthy, and responsible generation for the future of the Islands.
