The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BONGAIGAON, APRIL 3, 2025
The five-day Intra-Regional Sports Meet (IRSM) – Football 2024-25, hosted by NTPC Bongaigaon, commenced with great enthusiasm at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Stadium on Tuesday. The event was inaugurated by Arnab Maitra, Business Unit Head of NTPC Bongaigaon, in the presence of senior officials, employees, and participants.
Four teams are competing in the tournament: NTPC Bongaigaon (Assam), NTPC Darlipali, NTPC Talcher Thermal, and NTPC Talcher Kaniha (Odisha).
In his inaugural address, Maitra emphasized that the IRSM seeks to foster the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and unity among employees. He highlighted how such sporting events transcend professional boundaries, strengthening interpersonal relationships. He further noted that the IRSM is not only a competitive platform but also an opportunity to inspire participants to evolve into better professionals and more responsible individuals.
The opening ceremony included a disciplined march past by all the participating teams, followed by an exciting torch-lighting ceremony. The ceremonial torch was lit by Nabajit Saikia, Captain of NTPC Bongaigaon, alongside the captains of all participating teams. A special highlight was the unveiling of the tournament mascot, “Puhor,” which symbolizes ‘light’ and is inspired by the state’s iconic one-horned rhinoceros.
The vibrant atmosphere continued with the unveiling of the winning trophy. During the ceremony, a Fair Play Pledge was administered by Shri Maitra, while Shri Debabrata Kar, GM (O&M) of NTPC Bongaigaon, led the participants in taking the Fitness Pledge. School children welcomed the teams with traditional greetings, followed by a colorful performance of the Bagurumba dance by a local troupe, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The sporting action began with the host team, NTPC Bongaigaon, defeating NTPC Darlipali in a dominant 6-0 victory. In the second match, NTPC Talcher Kaniha triumphed over NTPC Talcher Thermal with an impressive 17-0 win. The tournament will follow a round-robin format, where all teams will compete against each other.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Debabrata Kar, GM (O&M) of NTPC Bongaigaon; Kasturi Maitra, President of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club; Soumya Kar, Vice President of Bardwi Shikla Ladies Club; Onkar Nath, AGM (HR) of NTPC Bongaigaon; AK Singh, AGM (Operation); HODs; Ashish Kumar, Deputy Commandant, CISF; MS Kandari, GM Thangzom, Commandant, CISF, NTPC Bongaigaon; Tamal Kanti Paul, General Secretary, Sports Council, NTPC Bongaigaon, along with representatives from unions, associations, welfare bodies, the ladies club, and people from surrounding villages.
The grand finale of the tournament is scheduled to be held on April 5, 2025.
