CISF to Recruit 450 Sportspersons; Major Rule Changes for Athletic Hires
CISF is recruiting 450 sportspersons and amending rules for Constable, Head Constable, and ASI levels to boost athletic performance.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is gearing up for a major talent hunt, announcing plans to recruit approximately 450 sportspersons to fill vacant positions. This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster its sports teams and elevate the force's performance on both national and international stages.
New Recruitment Rules and Levels
In a significant policy shift, the CISF is amending its recruitment rules to make sports-based hiring more accessible. The force will now facilitate sports recruitment at three distinct levels:
- Constable
- Head Constable
- Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)
The CISF confirmed that the process to fill the 450 vacant posts for athletes will commence shortly, marking a concerted effort by the Ministry of Home Affairs to integrate elite athletic talent into the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
Expanding Infrastructure and Training
To ensure that these athletes have the tools to succeed, the CISF is aggressively expanding its sports infrastructure. Several key developments are already underway or completed:
- Hyderabad: An athletics track and other facilities have been developed at the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA).
- Greater Noida: Sports facilities have been established at the Subsidiary Training Centre (SSG).
- Nuh, Haryana: Infrastructure is currently being developed at the CISF Women Battalion.
Furthermore, the force is collaborating with the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The SAI is currently preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to establish a Regional Sports Centre at the Rajaditya Cholan Regional Training Centre (RCRTC) in Thakkolam. This proposed center will specifically support disciplines such as cycling, fencing, tennis, and badminton.
A Track Record of Success
These initiatives follow a period of rising athletic achievement for the force. CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan highlighted these successes during a meeting with sportspersons who competed in national and international events this year.
Notably, five CISF athletes represented India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. Among them, Head Constable Ritu secured a gold medal as part of the Indian women's kabaddi team.
Surge in Medal Tally
The force has seen a dramatic spike in its performance at the All India Police Sports Clusters:
- 2025–26: 120 medals (47 gold, 30 silver, 43 bronze) and 10 trophies.
- 2026–27: 169 medals (64 gold, 46 silver, 59 bronze) and 20 trophies.
The trophy count doubled, with the 2026–27 season seeing 10 trophies each for the men's and women's categories.
Rewards and Incentives
To maintain this momentum, the CISF is providing substantial financial and professional rewards to its athletes and coaches:
- Cash Awards: Approximately Rs 97 lakh was distributed to medal winners and coaches for the 2025–26 period.
- Recognition: 180 sportspersons and coaches will receive the Director General's Disc, while 161 personnel and nine unit commanders will be awarded DG's Commendation Certificates.
- Financial Boosts: 18 sportspersons were granted special increments in 2026, including five for international achievements and 13 for national-level success.
- Nutrition: Roughly Rs 2 crore has been allocated toward off-season special nutritional requirements for athletes.
Through these combined efforts in recruitment, infrastructure, and financial support, the CISF aims to improve training standards and provide personnel with the equipment and nutrition necessary to excel in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the World Police and Fire Games.