Eight teams vie for the title from 4–7 February at the Astro Turf Ground, Bahtarai Stadium SECL hosts the prestigious tournament after a gap of one decade.

 

The Coal India Inter-Company Hockey Tournament 2025–26, organised under the aegis of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), was inaugurated with great enthusiasm and splendour at the Late Shri B.R. Yadav International Hockey Stadium, Bahtarai, Bilaspur. The opening ceremony reflected an inspiring blend of energy, discipline, and true sporting spirit.

 

The tournament is being held from 4 to February 7, 2026, featuring exciting matches among teams from Coal India’s subsidiary companies.

 

The inaugural function was graced by Director (Human Resources) Biranchi Das as the Chief Guest. Director (Finance) D Sunil Kumar and Chief Vigilance Officer Himanshu Jain were present as Special Guests. Also in attendance were Rohitashwa Bajpai, President, Hockey Bilaspur, representatives of labour unions including members of the SECL Welfare Board—Bajrangi Shahi, Rajesh Sharma and P Chandrakant—along with members of the Headquarters Welfare Committee, JCC members, Regional Welfare Committees, representatives of councils and associations, and a large number of officers and employees.

 

The ceremony commenced with an impressive march-past by all participating teams, saluting the dignitaries. This was followed by the formal inauguration of the tournament through a symbolic goal at the goal post by the Directors and the Chief Vigilance Officer. The dignitaries then interacted with the players, extending their best wishes for the tournament.

 

In his address, Biranchi Das stated, “Sports foster unity and positive energy within an organisation. This tournament stands as a symbol of sportsmanship and coordination across the Coal India family.” The tournament was officially declared open with the scoring of the first goal by the dignitaries.

 

The guests were accorded a vibrant welcome with Bhangra performances, followed by a melodious welcome song presented by SECL employees. Colourful Chhattisgarhi folk dance performances further added to the festive and grand atmosphere of the event.

 

Teams from Coal India’s subsidiaries—SECL, ECL, NCL, BCCL, CCL, WCL, MCL, and the Telangana-based government coal company SCCL—are participating in the tournament.

 

On the opening day, the following match results were recorded:

 

SECL defeated ECL by 8–0

 

NCL defeated BCCL by 4–1

 

CCL defeated SCCL by 3–1

 

MCL defeated WCL by 1–0

 

SECL defeated BCCL by 6–0

 

In the final match of the day, NCL defeated ECL by 4–0