Nitish Kicks off AI Police Football Tourney, Literally

Details: Category: More News; Created on Thursday, 13 December 2012 03:04

All India Police Football Tourney opens in Patna on Wednesday.

Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday inaugurated the 61st B. N. Mallick Memorial All India Police Football Championship at the Moinul Haque Stadium in Patna by kicking off the ceremonial soccer ball in the presence of a number of guests, players, and dignitaries.

Artists from the state Sangeet Natak Academy, on the opening day, performed a number of cultural shows as the host team defeated the team from Andhra Pradesh by a score of 3-1.

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Though the Andhra team scored the first goal in the 8th minute of the first half, Bihar team fought back and scored two goals to win the first round.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced the state's decision to tear down the old, decrepit Moinul Haque Stadium and build a brand new, ultra-modern stadium of international standard in its place.

"The state government is working on a new sports policy that would be ready to be implemented by March next year. Under this policy, policemen doing well in national and international sporting events would be made sub-inspectors. Providing proper training facilities for children is also part of the policy. By placing soccer balls and cricket bats in the hand of our children, we will make sure they don't pick up weapons instead," Kumar said.

The tournament consisting of 31 teams would conclude on December 21.