Over 250 participants competed across 28 sporting events; Red House emerged Champion, Purple House Runner-up
Bilaspur, 14 December 2025: The two-day SECL Nari Shakti Sports Festival 2025, organised at South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Headquarters, Bilaspur, concluded today with great enthusiasm and dignity at the Vasant Vihar Sports Ground. More than 250 women participants actively took part in 28 competitive and recreational sporting events, celebrating the spirit of women empowerment, teamwork and sportsmanship.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by the presence of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, SECL, Shri Harish Duhan, and Chairperson, Shraddha Mahila Mandal, Smt. Shashi Duhan. On arrival at the venue, the Chief Guest and distinguished guests were accorded a traditional welcome with the presentation of saplings.
Also present on the occasion were Director (Technical – Operations) Shri N. Franklin Jayakumar, Director (Human Resources) Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Finance) Shri D. Sunil Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer Shri Himanshu Jain, along with Vice-Chairpersons of Shraddha Mahila Mandal — Smt. Anita Franklin, Smt. Hasina Kumar and Smt. Vinita Jain.
In the overall championship, Red House delivered an outstanding performance to secure the winner’s title, while Purple House finished as runner-up, losing by a narrow margin of just one point, reflecting the highly competitive spirit of the festival.
The Chief Guest and distinguished guests witnessed the Badminton Final, encouraging participants with their presence. Finals of fun events such as Tug of War, Matka Race, Lemon-and-Spoon Race and Jalebi Race were also conducted, adding vibrancy and joy to the concluding ceremony.
Winners and runners-up of various sports events were felicitated and awarded prizes by the dignitaries.
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 added that the festival, organised under the aegis of Shraddha Mahila Mandal, is a unique and meaningful effort to bring together working women and homemakers on a common platform.
Similar Nari Shakti Sports Festivals are being organised across various SECL Areas, with the grand finale scheduled to be held 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.
