Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, unveiled the official logo, T-shirt, and cap of the 27th All India Police Lawn Tennis Championship at the office of the Director General and Inspector General of Police in Bengaluru. The national-level tournament is scheduled to commence on 16 November, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar set to inaugurate the event.

Key Developments

The logo unveiling ceremony was attended by senior police leadership including Director General and Inspector General of Police Dr M.A. Saleem, CID Director General Pranab Mohanty, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, and Police Housing Corporation Director General Arun Chakravarthy. Police officers and personnel from states across the country are expected to participate in the championship.

Kharge directed officials to ensure the best possible hospitality and facilities for participants arriving from other states. 'There should be no shortcomings in hosting police officers and personnel from other states. All necessary arrangements will be made, and preparations for the tournament will be undertaken with the cooperation of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association,' he said.

Kharge's Personal Connection to Tennis

Speaking at the event, Kharge acknowledged a longstanding personal interest in the sport. He said he had represented the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) during his tenure as Tourism Minister and was subsequently appointed its Vice-President. He currently serves as the Senior Vice-President of the association, lending additional institutional weight to Karnataka's role as host.

Sports and the Police Force

Kharge emphasised that sports play a crucial role in helping police personnel maintain physical fitness, mental health, and discipline — all of which, he noted, are essential for effective functioning within the department. He suggested that the Karnataka Police study initiatives taken by other states to promote sports among personnel and introduce suitable programmes of its own.

Notably, he called on officials to submit proposals to strengthen sporting activities within the police department, assuring that appropriate action would be taken after reviewing them. He also urged Karnataka Police teams to participate in greater numbers at All India-level sporting events.

Karnataka's Sporting Ambitions

Kharge expressed hope that the championship would serve as a showcase for Karnataka's ability to host major national sporting events. He said the police department and the KSLTA must work in close coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament, and expressed optimism that more national-level competitions would be organised in the state going forward.

The championship, he added, will provide a platform for police personnel across India to display their sporting talent, forge bonds across state lines, and foster a culture of sport within the police force. All eyes will now be on 16 November, when Chief Minister Shivakumar formally opens the tournament.