Police Commissioner Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao lit the sports torch and launched the Vijayawada City Police Games and Sports Meet - 2018 at the City Armed Reserve Grounds here on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said sports events were relaunched after 14 years in the commissionerate and congratulated the sports persons in the department and coaches for participating in the four-day event.

The nature of duties in the Police Department was causing much stress, and sports and games would help maintain body fitness, avoid obesity, keep the mind fresh and relieved from stress, he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP-Crimes) B. Rajakumari said events such as volleyball, kabaddi, tug of war, basketball, disc throw, shuttle, tennis, shot put, handball, long jump and triple jump would be conducted during the meet.

Earlier, police officers and players took a pledge and Mr. Tirumala Rao handed over the sports torch to Tulasi Chaitanya, Srinivasa Rao, Sambasiva Rao and Srinivas Naik, who represented the city police in national and international competitions.

Law and Order DCPs Ghajarao Bhupal and Venkata Appala Naidu and other officers were present.