Launches largest-ever sports recruitment drive, draws massive response
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh –
In a significant initiative aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Khelo Bharat Niti’, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is powering ahead to promote and nurture sporting talent in the country.
During the Year 2024–25, CISF athletes achieved a record 159 medals, marking the highest-ever medal tally in the Force’s history. These medals came as a result of stupendous performances in International, National and All India Police sporting events. In the recently concluded World Police and Fire Games 2025 at Birmingham, USA, CISF athletes have won a record 66 medals, thereby significantly contributing to the National tally. In-order to recognize their trailblazing achievement, the DG, CISF, felicitated them at CISF Headquarters, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
This surge in record performances is attributable to several key initiatives which includes a six-fold increase in sports funding (to Rs. 6 crore), 300 days of special diet allowance per annum (up from 200 days), enhanced Travel & Dearness Allowances (TA/DA) for athletes during camps and competitions, setting up of new Gyms and facilities, issuing of annual Tournament calendars, facilities for Injury management, amongst others. For the first time, an AIG-Level officer has been posted at the Headquarters for enhanced day-to-day monitoring and progress oversight. A full-fledged mountaineering team is also being formed for the first time, which will attempt to scale Mount Everest by 2026.
The Force has also launched its largest-ever sports recruitment drive through which 433 promising talents are set to be recruited, of which 229 will be women. This drive has started on 7th July 2025 and will continue till 29th July 2025 at 14 selection centers across the nation. Through this, 13 new teams will be raised in sports like Lawn Tennis, Badminton, Karate, Cycling, Archery, Fencing, Kayaking, Rowing, Wushu, among others. This initiative has garnered an overwhelming response of 12,868 applicants. These include 350 international and 3968 national medal winners. The drive has attracted significant interest from all corners of the nation, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the tribal lands of Chhattisgarh and north eastern states as well. This reiterates CISF’s focus on inclusive approach and grassroots level reach.
With the Olympic podium in mind, young, talented and promising sports persons shall be identified as ‘High Performance Athletes’ who can achieve a podium level finish. Furthermore, a dedicated pool of support staff, including expert coaches, physiotherapists, dietitians and strength & conditioning coaches, will be available for catering to their needs.