Andhra Pradesh Security Force to Begin Sports Meet on October 19

The Andhra Pradesh Special Protection Force (APSPF) will conduct its state-level sports competitions from October 19 to 23 at Acharya Nagarjuna University in Guntur, bringing together personnel from various units across the state for a five-day sporting event. Muddada Shankara Rao, APSPF Commandant in Vijayawada, announced the schedule on Wednesday, highlighting the event's significance in promoting fitness, teamwork and sporting excellence among the force's personnel.

The competitions are being organised as part of the 35th Raising Day celebrations of the APSPF. A range of sporting disciplines, including cricket, volleyball, badminton, 100-metre and 400-metre races, a five-kilometre run, high jump, long jump and shot put, will feature in the programme. Personnel will have the opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities while competing with colleagues from different units.

According to Shankara Rao, the initiative is intended to strengthen physical fitness, sportsmanship and unity among force personnel. Regular participation in sporting activities can also help build discipline, endurance and team spirit, which are essential for members of a security force. State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, senior police officials and other prominent personalities have been invited to attend the inaugural and concluding ceremonies.

Beyond its sporting activities, the APSPF plays an important role in safeguarding critical government infrastructure, religious institutions and industrial establishments across Andhra Pradesh. Shankara Rao said the force was established under a 1991 Act, on lines similar to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and operates as an armed force under the state Home Department.

Its security responsibilities cover major administrative and judicial institutions, including the State Secretariat, Legislative Assembly and High Court, along with airports and prominent religious centres such as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Simhachalam temple, Annavaram temple and Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy temple in Vijayawada.

The APSPF also provides protection to bank currency chests, ONGC facilities in Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram, APGENCO power stations and Reliance Industries establishments, among other public and private sector organisations.

The five-day event is expected to bring personnel together in a competitive sporting environment while reinforcing the physical preparedness and collective spirit required for their security duties.