New Delhi/Bilaspur: The Coal India Inter-Company Hockey Tournament 2025–26 was formally inaugurated on Tuesday at the Late B.R. Yadav International Hockey Stadium in Bahtarai, Bilaspur, under the aegis of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), marking the return of the prestigious sporting event to SECL after a gap of nearly a decade.
The four-day tournament, being held from February 4 to February 7, features teams from eight coal companies and aims to promote sportsmanship, teamwork and inter-company coordination within the Coal India group.
SECL's Director (Human Resources) Biranchi Das inaugurated the tournament as Chief Guest, while Director (Finance) D. Sunil Kumar and Chief Vigilance Officer Himanshu Jain were present as Special Guests. Several senior officials, representatives of labour unions, members of welfare boards and committees, as well as employees attended the opening ceremony.
The inaugural programme began with a ceremonial march-past by the participating teams, followed by the symbolic inauguration of the tournament through a goal scored by the dignitaries. The officials also interacted with players and conveyed their best wishes for the tournament.
Addressing the gathering, Das said sports play an important role in fostering unity, discipline and positive energy within an organisation, adding that the tournament reflects the spirit of coordination and sportsmanship across the Coal India family.
Cultural programmes, including Bhangra performances, a welcome song by SECL employees and traditional Chhattisgarhi folk dances, added colour to the inauguration ceremony.
Teams from SECL, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) are participating in the tournament.
On the opening day, SECL registered two emphatic victories, defeating ECL 8–0 and BCCL 6–0. NCL defeated BCCL 4–1 and later beat ECL 4–0, while CCL overcame SCCL 3–1 and MCL edged past WCL 1–0.
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