By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| More than 250 participants took part enthusiastically in 28 sports events; Red House emerged winner and Purple House runner-up

Bilaspur, December 14, 2025: The two-day ‘SECL Nari Shakti Sports Festival 2025’, organised at the headquarters of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), Bilaspur, concluded today in a dignified and vibrant atmosphere at the Vasant Vihar Sports Ground. The festival witnessed active participation of over 300 women in 28 different sports and recreational events.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by the presence of SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan and Chairperson of Shraddha Mahila Mandal, Shashi Duhan. On arrival at the Vasant Vihar Sports Ground, the chief and distinguished guests were welcomed in the traditional manner by presenting saplings.

Also present on the occasion were Director (Technical Operations) N. Franklin Jayakumar, Director (Human Resources) Biranchi Das, Director (Finance) D. Sunil Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer Himanshu Jain, along with Vice Presidents of Shraddha Mahila Mandal Anita Franklin, Hasina Kumar and Vinita Jain.

In the competitions, Red House delivered an outstanding performance to clinch the winner’s title, while Purple House finished as runner-up, losing by a narrow margin of just one point. A keen and closely contested competition was witnessed between the two teams.

The chief and distinguished guests observed the final match of badminton and encouraged the participants. Finals of fun games such as tug of war, matka race, lemon-and-spoon race and jalebi race were also organised, which were thoroughly enjoyed by both participants and spectators.

During the ceremony, winners and runners-up of various sports events were felicitated with prizes by the guests.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, SECL CMD Harish Duhan said that women power is the real strength of any organisation and the nation. Such events strengthen confidence, team spirit and leadership qualities among women. He added that women empowerment at SECL is not just an idea but a continuous process of implementation, and the Nari Shakti Sports Festival is a strong reflection of this commitment. He further said that the festival, organised under the aegis of Shraddha Mahila Mandal, is a unique and meaningful initiative that brings working women and homemakers together on a common platform.

In the same sequence, Nari Shakti Sports Festivals are also being organised in various SECL areas, with the grand finale scheduled to be held in the Hasdeo Area of SECL in the coming days.

The programme was conducted by Priyesha Chourasia and Dr. Sanjeevani Panigrahi, while the vote of thanks was proposed by General Manager (Welfare) Shyamala Rao.