Bilaspur : The Coal India Inter-Company Chess Tournament 2025–26 was inaugurated with great enthusiasm on March 12 at Vasant Club in the Vasant Vihar Township of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). The event is being hosted by SECL and will run from March 12 to March 14.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by Birinchi Das, Director (Human Resources) of SECL, who attended as the chief guest. Participants from all eight subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, along with representatives from Singareni Collieries Company Limited, are competing in the three-day event.
During the inauguration ceremony, Das administered the sportsmanship oath to all players and extended his best wishes for the competition. In his address, he highlighted that chess is more than just a game; it is a blend of strategy, patience, planning, and decision-making.
“Every move on the 64-square chessboard requires thoughtful consideration. These qualities are equally important in our professional and everyday lives,” he said while encouraging the participants.
The ceremony was attended by several union representatives, including Bajrangi Shahi, a respected member of the SECL Welfare Board. Senior officials, department heads from SECL headquarters, members of the Welfare Board Committee, Joint Consultative Committee, Regional Welfare Committee, and representatives from various councils and unions were also present.
Guests interacted with the participating teams and extended their best wishes to the players.
The event began with a welcome song, followed by captivating cultural performances featuring Chhattisgarh’s traditional Karma dance and an Odissi dance presentation.
The welcome address was delivered by G. Shyamala Rao, General Manager (Welfare). The program was anchored by Sheikh Zakir Hussain, Chief Manager (Environment), while the vote of thanks was proposed by Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Manager (Welfare).
The tournament aims to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and strategic thinking among employees across Coal India’s subsidiaries.