The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will host the 11th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship 2026 at the GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, from 23 to 30 July 2026, bringing together over 1,600 athletes from 36 Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) organisations across five combat disciplines. The eight-day championship is being organised under the aegis of the All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB).

Five Disciplines, Eight Days of Competition

Athletes from state police forces and CAPFs will compete across Judo, Wushu, Taekwondo, Karate, and Pencak Silat. The championship rotates among Police and CAPF organisations, with the previous 10th edition hosted by Jammu & Kashmir Police in Srinagar. This year, Hyderabad steps up as the host city, with the Sports Authority of Telangana providing competition infrastructure and the Telangana Police Academy supporting operational and accommodation requirements.

Curtain-Raiser: What Officials Said

Details of the championship were unveiled at a press conference held at the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA), Hyderabad, on Monday. Harpreet Kaur Sohi, Director/IG, NISA, CISF, addressed the media, stating that the championship 'reflects CISF's commitment to promoting sporting excellence among Police and CAPF personnel and provides athletes in uniform an important platform to demonstrate their talent and progress to higher levels of competition.'

Olympian Parupalli Kashyap and renowned rowing coach Ismail Beg were also present, highlighting the strong connection between sports and uniformed services — discipline, resilience, teamwork, and perseverance, they noted, are essential to both arenas. Both expressed confidence that the championship would help talented athletes emerge and represent India at higher levels.

Asian Games 2026 Backdrop Raises the Stakes

The championship carries added weight this year given its timing ahead of the Asian Games 2026, where Judo, Wushu, Taekwondo, and Karate are all medal disciplines. The event is expected to serve as a high-level testing ground for athletes seeking to strengthen their case for national and international selection, deepening the talent pool ahead of the Games.

AIPSCB's Track Record and Scale

Established in 1965, AIPSCB comprises 53 Police and Central Police organisations and conducts 18 sports clusters covering 28 disciplines, with nearly 12,000 men and women sportspersons participating annually. The board has a strong international pedigree: at the 2025 World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, USA, AIPSCB-affiliated athletes won 600 medals — including 280 Gold — finishing third among participants from 71 countries. Notable alumni include Asian Games gold medallist Manjit Singh and several Commonwealth Games medallists and Olympians.

Meet 'VIRA', the Championship Mascot

The official mascot, 'VIRA', is inspired by the Spotted Deer (Chital) — the State Animal of Telangana. The name stands for Vibrant, Impactful, Resilient, and Agile, mirroring the qualities expected of both martial artists and uniformed personnel, while celebrating the host state's natural heritage. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) will oversee anti-doping protocols throughout the championship.

With the Government of Telangana extending full support, the 11th edition is poised to be among the largest gatherings of police sporting talent in the country — and a key stepping stone toward Asian Games 2026.