Berhampur, May 2: The 72nd State Police Volleyball and Basketball Championships were inaugurated today with 39 volleyball teams and seven basketball teams from the 39 police units across the state taking part.

The sports officer of Odisha Police, Bibhuti Bhushan Maharana, said the championships, which were being organised at Khallikote College stadium, was inaugurated by the DIG of police (southern range) Amitav Thakur, who was also the chief guest in the presence of four superintendents of police from Berhampur, Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal.

DIG Amitav Thakur described the championships as an important event in the police department and appealed to the participants to excel in all sporting activities.

"The sportsmen and sportswomen of Odisha have proved themselves at the national and international events and have gladly joined our department. There are ample opportunities for sportsmen and women in the police department to excel in their respective fields at the national level. They can also avail the possibilities of promotions through sporting activities," Thakur said.

A total of 552 players, that includes 468 volleyball and 84 basketball players, apart from 33 officials, are taking part in the games. The participants are being accommodated in various school building since the schools are closed due to the ongoing summer vacation.

The championships will end on May 9.