SECL Hosts Coal India Inter-Company Hockey Tournament 2025–26 in Bilaspur; Eight Teams Compete
This marks the return of the prestigious PSU sporting event to SECL after a gap of nearly a decade
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) on Tuesday inaugurated the Coal India Inter-Company Hockey Tournament 2025–26 at the Late Shri B.R. Yadav International Hockey Stadium, Bahtarai, marking the return of the prestigious PSU sporting event to SECL after a gap of nearly a decade.
The four-day tournament, being held from February 4 to 7, brings together hockey teams from eight Coal India subsidiaries—SECL, ECL, NCL, BCCL, CCL, WCL, MCL, and Telangana-based government coal company SCCL—highlighting Coal India Limited’s emphasis on employee engagement and sports culture.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Director (Human Resources) Biranchi Das as Chief Guest, along with Director (Finance) D. Sunil Kumar and Chief Vigilance Officer Himanshu Jain as Special Guests. Senior officials, representatives of labour unions, members of the SECL Welfare Board, JCC, Regional Welfare Committees, and employees attended the event in large numbers.
The ceremony began with a disciplined march-past by participating teams, followed by the symbolic inauguration of the tournament through a goal scored by the dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Biranchi Das said sports play a vital role in fostering unity and positive energy within organisations, adding that the tournament reflects coordination and sportsmanship across the Coal India family.
Cultural performances, including energetic Bhangra, a welcome song by SECL employees, and traditional Chhattisgarhi folk dances, added colour and vibrancy to the opening ceremony.
Competitive action unfolded on the very first day, with teams delivering commanding performances. SECL opened their campaign in dominant fashion, defeating ECL 8–0 and later overpowering BCCL 6–0. NCL registered two convincing wins, beating BCCL 4–1 and ECL 4–0. CCL secured a 3–1 victory over SCCL, while MCL edged past WCL 1–0 in a closely contested match.
The tournament is expected to witness intense competition over the coming days, as PSU teams battle for supremacy on the astro turf at Bahtarai Stadium, reaffirming Coal India’s commitment to promoting sportsmanship and workplace camaraderie.
