The National Equestrian Championship-2025 (Tent Pegging) kicked off on Saturday at the PAP Campus in Jalandhar, with Punjab Police’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav inaugurating the event.
The championship, which will run until February 23, features 15 teams from state police forces, central armed police forces, the army, navy, and private clubs, all competing for the coveted title. The event is being held under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India.
"Punjab Police is proud to host this prestigious event under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India, bringing together 15 teams, 125 horses, and top riders from across the country—including Police Forces, CAPFs, Army, Navy, and private clubs," DGP Gaurav Yadav shared in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter).
Wishing the Punjab Police's 20-member equestrian team the best for the competition, DGP Yadav stated that the team would be led by DIG Administration PAP Inderbir Singh and would participate with 24 horses.
This marks the first time that an Indian Police Services (IPS) officer has qualified for the National Equestrian Championship after succeeding in the national qualifiers.
Additionally, international jury members appointed by the Equestrian Federation of India, New Delhi, will oversee the events during the championship, which will also feature 15 to 20 international players.
"This championship is a celebration of skill, discipline, and tradition, and I am especially proud to witness an IPS officer competing for the first time after qualifying at the national level," the tweet further stated.
The championship will also serve as a selection process for the Indian team that will compete in international events in 2025-26, with players who perform well in the National Tent Pegging Championship being selected.
DGP Gaurav Yadav, who is the Chief Patron of the event, invited the public and horse enthusiasts to witness the spectacular championship. He also emphasized that there would be no separate ticket required for watching the competition.
A total of 125 riders and an equal number of horses are participating in this championship, organized under the Equestrian Federation of India. This marks the third time the event has been held at the PAP Campus, Jalandhar, following previous championships in 2016 and 2017.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) MF Farooqui and DIG Inderbir Singh are serving as the Chairman and Organizing Secretary of the Organizing Committee, respectively. Commandant of the 7th Battalion PAP, Gurtejinder Singh, is the Show Secretary.