Bilaspur, October 14: The Inter-Area Hockey Tournament 2026-27, hosted by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), commenced at the Late Shri B.R. Yadav International Hockey Stadium in Bahatarai, Bilaspur, on Wednesday. A total of 16 teams representing SECL Headquarters and various operational areas are participating in the tournament.
Director (Human Resources) Biranchi Das inaugurated the tournament by scoring a goal on the hockey field. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, he highlighted the importance of teamwork, coordination, discipline and mental resilience in a fast-paced sport like hockey. He said that the qualities developed on the sports field also contribute to better performance and success at the workplace.
Das reiterated SECL’s commitment to promoting sporting talent, strengthening sports infrastructure and providing players with opportunities to compete at higher levels. He encouraged the participants to play with enthusiasm, discipline and true sportsmanship.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by heads of departments at SECL Headquarters, representatives of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), Welfare Board, SC/ST Association and other associations, officers, employees and the principal of DAV School.
At the beginning of the programme, General Manager (Welfare) B.C. Sethi delivered the welcome address and welcomed the chief guest. Senior Managers (HR) Vivek Singh and Astik Sahu welcomed the other distinguished guests.
Veteran hockey player Rajesh Henry, Senior Data Entry Operator in the Welfare Department, administered the oath of sportsmanship, discipline and fair play to all participating players.
The tournament provides a platform for employees from different operational areas to showcase their hockey skills while promoting team spirit, healthy competition and camaraderie among SECL personnel.
