Sri Vijaya Puram | January 08, 2026
The Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS, inaugurated the Khelo India Centres (KICs) during a formal ceremony held on Wednesday at the APU Police Line Complex, Sri Vijaya Puram. The Kayaking and Canoeing Centre at the APU Police Line was inaugurated physically, while the Boxing Centre at the IRBn Headquarters Campus, Port Mout, was inaugurated virtually.
The event was attended by Ms. Sindhu Pillai, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Ms. Geeta Rani Verma, IPS, Inspector General of Police, along with other senior officers of the Andaman & Nicobar Police.
The Khelo India Centres have been established with the approval of the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, under the Khelo India Scheme through the Sports Authority of India (SAI). For the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, one district has been covered with two sporting disciplines—Kayaking and Canoeing at the APU Police Line, Sri Vijaya Puram, and Boxing at the IRBn Headquarters Campus, Port Mout. All statutory and procedural requirements, including funding support, finalisation of Standard Operating Procedures, execution of Memoranda of Understanding, and engagement of Past Champion Athletes (PCAs)/coaches, have been completed.
As per Khelo India Centre guidelines, two Past Champion Athletes—one for each discipline—have been appointed as coaches. Following talent identification trials conducted in accordance with Khelo India Scheme and SAI norms for the 12–18 years age group, 37 trainees were selected for Kayaking and Canoeing, while 18 trainees were selected for Boxing.
The Khelo India Centres aim to provide structured, scientific and sustained training to young sporting talent, with a focus on nurturing future champions from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Interacting with the trainees, the Director General of Police encouraged them to pursue sports with dedication, discipline and a spirit of excellence.
