Grand Inauguration of Coal India Inter-Company Chess Tournament 2025–26 at SECL
The three-day tournament is witnessing participation from all eight subsidiary of Coal India Limited and from SCCL
The Coal India Inter-Company Chess Tournament 2025–26 was grandly inaugurated on Thursday at Vasant Club, located in the SECL Vasant Vihar Township, under the hosting of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL).
SECL Director (Human Resources), Biranchi Das, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the tournament.
The three-day tournament, scheduled from March 12 to March 14, is witnessing enthusiastic participation from all eight subsidiary companies of Coal India Limited along with participants from Singareni Collieries Company Limited.
During the inaugural ceremony, Biranchi Das administered the Sportsmanship Oath to all participating players and attendees.
Extending his best wishes to the participants, Das said that chess is not merely a game but a remarkable blend of strategy, patience, planning and decision-making ability. He noted that every move on the 64 squares of a chessboard requires careful thought, and these qualities also inspire individuals to perform better in their professional and daily responsibilities.
Among the distinguished attendees were Bajrangi Shahi, an esteemed member of the SECL Welfare Board representing labour unions, along with heads of various departments at SECL Headquarters, members of the SECL Headquarters Welfare Committee, Joint Consultative Committee members, Regional Welfare Committee members, representatives from various councils and unions, and a large number of officers and employees.
During the programme, dignitaries interacted with players from different teams and extended their best wishes for a successful and competitive tournament.
The event began with a welcome song, followed by captivating performances of Chhattisgarh’s traditional Karma dance and Odissi dance, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the inaugural ceremony.
The welcome address was delivered by G. Shyamala Rao, General Manager (Welfare). The programme was anchored by Sheikh Zakir Hussain, Chief Manager (Environment), while the vote of thanks was delivered by Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Manager (Welfare).
