Hockey Can Strengthen Teamwork and Discipline in Police Force ; IGP Satyajit Nayak
By IGP Satyajit Nayak
Bhubaneswar/Odisha,Sep 23 : Hockey’s strong association with Odisha and its lessons in discipline, teamwork and resilience can help strengthen the professional qualities of police personnel, said Dr Satyajit Nayak, IGP, Central Range, while addressing the 76th State Police Hockey Championship-2026 at the Kalinga Stadium here.
Dr Nayak said the championship was not merely a sporting competition but also an opportunity for police personnel to develop qualities essential to their profession. Hockey has become an integral part of Odisha’s sporting identity, with players from the State making their mark from grassroots grounds to the international stage.
The demands of policing — physical fitness, mental alertness, discipline, resilience and the ability to perform under pressure — closely mirror the qualities required on the hockey field. “No player can win a match alone. Every pass requires trust and every defensive move requires coordination,” Dr Nayak said, stressing that teamwork and collective responsibility were equally important in policing.
Dr Nayak urged the participating teams to compete with determination while maintaining respect for opponents, officials and the rules of the game. A victory, he said, should bring humility, while a defeat should provide an opportunity to learn and improve.
He encouraged younger police personnel to make sport an integral part of their lives, noting that regular sporting activity can contribute to physical fitness, discipline and professional preparedness. He also appreciated the efforts of the Odisha Police Sports & Cultural Association, coaches, trainers, referees and support staff in organising the State-level championship.
The players, he said, should carry the pride of their units, districts and the Odisha Police family onto the field and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. “The real victory is not only in lifting the trophy; it is in becoming a better athlete, a better teammate and ultimately a better police officer,” Dr Nayak said.
