Agartala, Feb 22, 2025, TRIPURA TIMES Desk
Agartala, Feb 22: For the first time in history, Tripura is set to host a national-level football tournament featuring police teams from across the country. The 73rd BN Mullik Memorial All India Police Football Championship 2025, organized by the Tripura Police, will kick off on February 24. Defending champions Mizoram will take on Uttar Pradesh in the opening match, while the grand finale is scheduled for March 7.
Addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Agartala, Director General of Police (DGP) Amitabh Ranjan announced that the championship will feature 45 teams —36 in the men’s category and nine in the women’s category—representing 25 states and four Union Territories and seven Central Forces teams. Around 1500 players will showcase their talents. The tournament will see the participation of several national and international-level players, showcasing their skills. As of now, 31 teams have already arrived in the state, with the remaining teams expected to reach by tomorrow.
Tripura will field teams in both the men’s and women’s categories. Notably, Badal Debbarma (men’s team) and Bulti Chowdhury (women’s team) bring international experience to the host state’s squad.
The tournament will be officially inaugurated on the morning of February 24 at Umakanta Mini Stadium, with Tripura Chief Minister and Home Department Minister, Dr. (Professor) Manik Saha, attending as the chief guest.
"Preparations are in full swing to ensure a smooth and successful championship. The people of Tripura, including several notable figures, have extended enthusiastic support to make this a grand event," said the DGP.
Providing further details, the DIG stated that the grouping of teams was conducted through a hybrid-mode lottery at the national level, ensuring complete transparency. Matches will be played on astro-turf fields at various stadiums in Agartala, Jirania, Mohanpur, Jampuijala, and Udaipur. The tournament will follow a league-cum-knockout format, with a total of 102 matches—81 in the men’s category. Additionally, 40 referees, along with other match officials, will oversee the games, and several matches will be played under floodlights.
The DIG urged the cooperation of all stakeholders to make the championship a memorable and successful event.