India concluded its participation in the 21st World Police and Fire Games 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, securing an impressive third-place finish in the overall medal tally. The Indian contingent bagged a total of 588 medals, comprising 280 gold, 178 silver, and 130 bronze medals. The Games, which took place from June 27 to July 6, saw participation from over 8,500 athletes representing law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders from more than 70 countries.
The United States topped the medal charts with 1,354 medals (569 gold, 433 silver, and 352 bronze), followed by Brazil in second place with 743 medals (266 gold, 246 silver, and 231 bronze).
Several Indian units and individuals contributed to the nation's success at the Games. The Uttar Pradesh Police emerged as the most successful unit within the Indian contingent, amassing a remarkable 95 medals. Their outstanding performance included 45 gold, 34 silver, and 16 bronze medals across various sports such as athletics, swimming, archery, wrestling, judo, taekwondo, weightlifting, and arm wrestling. The Uttar Pradesh government lauded this achievement, attributing it to the success of the "Kushal Khiladi Yojana," an initiative by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to promote sports within the police force.
The Border Security Force (BSF) also made a significant contribution, with its personnel winning 38 gold medals and a total of 73 medals. The BSF's medal haul included notable performances in swimming (14 gold), athletics (12 gold), archery (4 gold), and wrestling (4 gold). The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) also made its mark, securing a total of 64 medals at the Games. CISF athletes from Haryana excelled in wrestling, winning all gold medals in the discipline. Lady Assistant Sub-Inspector Reenu from Haryana won gold in multiple events, including the 10 km cross-country, 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, half marathon, and half marathon team event.
Adding to India's diverse representation, four personnel from the Assam Police won eight medals in wrist wrestling, consisting of five gold and three silver. Kandarapa Borah, Amlanjit Borthakur, Junmoni Das, and Labita Koch were the medalists, showcasing their strength and skill in the sport.
The World Police and Fire Games is a biennial event governed by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), the host city, and the WPFG Board of Directors. It provides a platform for first responders from around the world to compete in over 60 sports, promoting physical fitness, camaraderie, and mutual respect. The Games feature a wide array of sports, from popular ones like archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, and track and field to more unique competitions like angling and axe throwing.
Looking ahead, India is set to host the 2029 edition of the World Police and Fire Games in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel hailed this as a "big step" towards making Ahmedabad the "sporting capital of India".
