Grand Conclusion of Two-Day ‘SECL Nari Shakti Sports Festival 2025’ at Bilaspur Headquarters
Over 250 women participants compete across 28 events; Red House crowned Champion, Purple House Runner-up
The two-day SECL Nari Shakti Sports Festival 2025, organised at the Headquarters of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Bilaspur, concluded on Sunday with vibrant celebrations, competitive spirit and a strong message of women empowerment. Held at the Vasant Vihar Sports Ground, the festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 250 women, who competed across 28 sporting and recreational events.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by the Chairman-cum-Managing Director, SECL, Shri Harish Duhan, and Chairperson, Shraddha Mahila Mandal, Smt. Shashi Duhan. The Chief Guest and dignitaries were accorded a traditional welcome with the presentation of saplings, symbolising growth, sustainability and empowerment.
Senior officials present on the occasion included Director (Technical–Operations) Shri N. Franklin Jayakumar, Director (Human Resources) Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Finance) Shri D. Sunil Kumar, and Chief Vigilance Officer Himanshu Jain. Also present were Vice-Chairpersons of Shraddha Mahila Mandal — Smt. Anita Franklin, Smt. Hasina Kumar and Smt. Vinita Jain.
In a closely contested championship, Red House emerged overall winner, while Purple House secured the runner-up position, losing by a narrow margin of just one point, underscoring the high level of competition throughout the festival.
The Chief Guest and dignitaries witnessed the Badminton Final, motivating the players with their presence. Finals of popular fun events such as Tug of War, Matka Race, Lemon-and-Spoon Race and Jalebi Race added colour, excitement and cheer to the concluding ceremony.
Winners and runners-up of various events were felicitated and awarded prizes by the dignitaries amid loud applause.
Addressing the gathering, CMD SECL Shri Harish Duhan said, “Nari Shakti is the real strength of any organisation and of the nation. Such initiatives help build confidence, teamwork and leadership among women. At SECL, women empowerment is not merely a concept but a continuous process of implementation. The Nari Shakti Sports Festival is a strong reflection of this commitment.”
He further noted that the festival, organised under the aegis of Shraddha Mahila Mandal, is a meaningful initiative that brings together working women and homemakers on a common platform, fostering unity and inclusiveness.
SECL is also organising similar Nari Shakti Sports Festivals across its operational Areas, with the grand finale scheduled at SECL’s Hasdeo Area, where winning teams from all Areas will compete.
The programme was jointly compered by Smt. Priyesha Chourasia and Dr. Sanjeevani Panigrahi, while the vote of thanks was proposed by General Manager (Welfare) Shri Shyamala Rao.
