THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

KOKRAJHAR, MARCH 30, 2026

Talcher Kaniha emerged as the Volleyball champion, while Talcher Thermal secured the overall team title in Women’s Badminton as the four-day Intra Regional Sports Meet (IRSM) of Eastern Region-II concluded at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Stadium, NTPC Bongaigaon amid great enthusiasm and competitive spirit.

In Volleyball, Talcher Kaniha defeated NTPC Bongaigaon to lift the championship trophy, with NTPC Bongaigaon finishing as runner-up after an impressive performance. Individual honours in Volleyball included Sudharshan Sahoo of Talcher Kaniha being adjudged Best Libero, Sanjay Sahoo of Talcher Kaniha as Best Setter, and Kaki Nagareddy of NTPC Bongaigaon as Best Smasher. The Fair Play Trophy in Volleyball was awarded to Team North Karanpura for exemplary discipline and sporting spirit.

In Women’s Badminton, K.V.S Prashanthi of Talcher Thermal clinched the singles title, while Cheme Serdeon of NTPC Bongaigaon secured the runner-up position. In the doubles category, the duo of Sharmistha Gohain and Amrita Rai of NTPC Bongaigaon emerged as winners, while Dr. Hyra Deepthi Sindhuja and Pragnya P. Das of Talcher Thermal finished as runners-up. Talcher Thermal bagged the overall team championship in Women’s Badminton, with NTPC Bongaigaon finishing as runner-up. Team Darlipalli was honoured with the Fair Play Trophy in Women’s Badminton.

The four-day sporting event brought together teams from across the region, representing NTPC Bongaigaon from Assam, Darlipali, Talcher Thermal and Talcher Kaniha from Odisha, and North Karanpura from Jharkhand, fostering camaraderie, teamwork and a spirit of healthy competition among employees.

The event was inaugurated by Arnab Maitra, Business Unit Head, NTPC Bongaigaon, in the presence of Anurag Gupta, GM (O&M), NTPC Bongaigaon, Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of HR, NTPC Bongaigaon, L. N. Meitei, Commandant, CISF, NTPC Bongaigaon, along with Heads of Departments, senior officials and employees.

Addressing the gathering, Arnab Maitra highlighted that the event's primary objective was to strengthen the spirit of togetherness and teamwork among employees. He noted that IRSM continues to serve as a meaningful platform that nurtures professional excellence and contributes to holistic personal development.

The inaugural ceremony featured an impressive march past by all participating teams, followed by a ceremonial torch-lighting by the captains of the five teams. The event also witnessed the release of the mascot “Puhor,” symbolising light and inspired by Assam’s iconic one-horned rhinoceros, along with the unveiling of the tournament trophy. A Fair Play Pledge and a Fitness Pledge were also administered on the occasion.

The event was attended by Souvick Sen, General Secretary, Sports Council, NTPC Bongaigaon, Bonthu Balaji, President, Sports Council, NTPC Bongaigaon, representatives of unions and associations, welfare bodies, Ladies Club members and people from nearby villages, reflecting strong community participation and enthusiasm.

The concluding ceremony was attended by Anurag Gupta, GM (O&M), NTPC Bongaigaon, who addressed the gathering and presented the prizes to the winners. At the end of the programme, Anurag Gupta, GM (O&M), NTPC Bongaigaon, addressed the gathering and congratulated all the participating teams for their spirited performance. He appreciated the enthusiasm, discipline and sportsmanship displayed by the players throughout the tournament and highlighted the importance of such events for fostering teamwork and a healthy lifestyle among employees. Gupta also commended the organising team and all stakeholders for the event's successful execution and subsequently presented the prizes to the winners.

IRSM forms an integral part of NTPC’s “AHWAHAN” policy, which promotes holistic health, wellness and well-being among employees. The tournament concluded on a high note, reinforcing NTPC Bongaigaon’s commitment to promoting sports culture, wellness and regional bonding through meaningful engagement and spirited competition.