The Hindu : Sport / Generalia : Recruitment drive: AP Police in right direction

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 29, 2005

Sport

Sport - Generalia

Recruitment drive: AP Police in right direction

By A. Joseph Antony

HYDERABAD, MARCH 28. International Gagan Ajit Singh, impressed by the youthful zest of the Andhra Pradesh squad, suggested to T.P. Das, Additional Director General of Andhra Pradesh Police, that with increased exposure, the southern side could go places. The duo had met at the All India Police Hockey championships in Gujarat earlier this year.

As head of the 85,000 plus strong force's sports wing, Das has taken upon himself the task of infusing quality into the recruitment of sportspersons, for whom there is a two per cent reservation in jobs.

For starters, he has begun selection trials in 13 disciplines to shortlist sportsmen who could be appointed as sub-inspectors and constables. In the quest for quality, Das is in the panel, as is his deputy, Madan Lal, an Inspector General, along with acclaimed/recognised coaches/experts in the said discipline.

About 10 players each were nominated for kabaddi, gymnastics, handball, wrestling and volleyball last week. Still to come are trials for athletics on March 30 (open to women too), boxing (March 31), hockey (April 9), basketball (12), swimming (14), football (16 and 17) and weightlifting (22). Efforts were on to raise teams in judo and archery too.

Prior to the trials, a scouting programme was initiated, with police coaches going to the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh academies, Sports Authority of India hostels and the various associations in the quest for talented youngsters. The age limits for constables were set between 18 and 22 and 18 and 25 for sub-inspectors, minimum educational requirements being matriculation and graduation respectively.

To aid sportsmen clear the written and physical exams, Das proposes to have month long coaching in both for those shortlisted. Open to those hailing from the State, the eligibility criteria include representation at the international, national, state and inter-university level. Priority would be accorded to those who have won a medal in the Asian Games and recognised championships at the continental level. To meet police standards, each applicant will also have to complete a 5 km run in 25 minutes.

Das attributes the renewed interest in the drive to his predecessor and current Director General of Police, Swaranjit Sen. While acknowledging the system may not be fool-proof, Das believes it is an honest effort.

Arjuna Awardee and Dronacharya Shyam Sunder Rao, who oversaw trials in volleyball, felt the age and educational requirements ought to be relaxed to attract the truly talented players but lauded the process as a first step in the right direction.

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