Patna: Governor Satya Pal Malik will inaugurate the 36th All India Police Equestrian Championship and Mounted Police Duty Meet 2017 to be held at the Veterinary College ground between December 29 and January 7, 2018.

Bihar police will host the competition for the first time. Director general-cum-managing director of the Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation Sunil Kumar said on Wednesday that 17 teams of different central police organisations and the state police will take part in the 31 events.

He said while Governor Satya Pal Malik will inaugurate the event on December 29, chief minister Nitish Kumar will address the concluding ceremony and prize distribution. Altogether 253 horses and 553 riders have reached the BMP ground here, he added.

"The Mounted Military Police (MMP) of Bihar police recently bought 54 new horses and trained them for events such as tent pegging, show jumping, hacks and dressage among others. A total of 180 medals will be distributed among winners of different events," he said.

The riders with their horses, which are part of the MMP, have been practising for the competition for three months. With the induction of 54 horses, the MMP strength has risen to 102.

Sunil said the MMP had several medals to its credit in the past. "We hope that the host team performs better in the competitions being held in Bihar for the first time," he said, adding that each team would get a platform to show their potential and skills.

MMP commandant Pushkar Anand said no entry fee will be charged from spectators.

Sources said a few events will also be organised on the hockey ground of the BMP's 5th battalion. Commandant Pushkar said one of the horses fell sick and was being treated.