HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, April 3: A five-day Intra Regional Sports Meet (IRSM) – Football 2024-25 of NTPC Eastern Region-II hosted by NTPC Bongaigaon Salakati began with great enthusiasm at NTPC Bongaigaon’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Stadium, here on Wednesday.
The event was inaugurated by Business Unit Head of NTPC Bongaigaon Arnab Maitra, in the presence of senior officials, employees, and participants. Four teams are participating in the tournament – NTPC Bongaigaon (Assam) and NTPC Darlipali, Talcher Thermal, and Talcher Kaniha (Odisha).
Related Posts:
In his inaugural address, Maitra highlighted that the IRSM aims to foster the spirit of togetherness, camaraderie, and team spirit among employees. He emphasised how such sporting events strengthen bonds beyond professional boundaries. Maitra further added that IRSM is not just a tournament but a platform that inspires participants to become better professionals and, more importantly, better human beings.
The opening ceremony featured a disciplined march past by all the participating contingents, followed by a spectacular torch-lighting ceremony. The ceremonial torch was lit by Captain of NTPC Bongaigaon Nabajit Saikia, alongside the captains of all participating teams. A special highlight of the event was the unveiling of the tournament mascot “Puhor” – symbolizing ‘light’ and inspired by the state’s iconic one-horned rhinoceros.
The winning trophy was also unveiled during the ceremony. A Fair Play Pledge was administered by Maitra, while GM (O&M) of NTPC Bongaigaon Debabrata Kar, led the participants in a Fitness Pledge. School children extended a warm welcome to the teams with traditional greetings, followed by a colorful performance of the Bagurumba dance by a local troupe, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The sporting action began with the host team NTPC Bongaigaon defeating NTPC Darlipali with a convincing 6-0 victory. In the second match, NTPC Talcher Kaniha secured a dominant 17-0 win against NTPC Talcher Thermal. The tournament will follow a round-robin format among the teams.
The inauguration was graced by the presence of Debabrata Kar, GM (O&M), NTPC Bongaigaon, Kasturi Maitra, President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, Soumya Kar, Vice President, Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club, Onkar Nath, AGM (HR), NTPC Bongaigaon, A.K. Singh, AGM (Operation), HODs, Ashish Kumar, Dy. Commandant, CISF, M.S. Kandari, G.M. Thangzom, Commandant, CISF NTPC Bongaigaon, Tamal Kanti Paul, General Secretary, Sports Council, NTPC Bongaigaon, along with representatives from unions, associations, welfare bodies, the ladies club, and people from nearby villages.
The grand finale of the tournament is scheduled to be held on April 5.
