Raigarh, 20 March. Subhash Thakur, Head of Project (NTPC Lara) kick-starts the NTPC U-20 Chhattisgarh Inter-state Football Championship 2025-26 at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium at Maitree Nagar township, NTPC Lara on 20th March 2026.In his address Subhash Thakur, Head of Project (Lara) encouraged the young athletes, inspiring them to play with dedication, discipline, and team spirit. The inaugural match was played between District Football Association Balod and Korba.
What makes this championship truly special is the coming together of young footballers from 11 districts – Korba, Balod, Dantewada, Raigarh, Bilaspur, Durg, Surajpur, Raipur, Kondagaon, Koriya, and Narayanpur many of whom represent the aspirations of rural and semi-urban Chhattisgarh. For these players, the tournament is more than just competition, it is an opportunity to step onto a larger stage and turn their passion into recognition. Based on the performance of this championship, Team Chhattisgarh will be selected for the National U-20 championship.
Beyond the thrill of football, this initiative reflects NTPC Lara’s deeper commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment.
By providing a professional platform and exposure, the organization is helping nurture talent that often emerges from modest backgrounds but carries immense potential.
On this occasion Shri Keshab Chandra Singha Roy, GM (Operation & Maintenance), Mahavir Singh, Dy Commandant, CISF, Rajendra Kumar Behera, DGM (HR), officials from state football association, senior officials of NTPC Lara and villagers were present.
