National Sports Day 2025 organised at NTPC Sipat; Shri Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, inaugurates Inter-Village Kabaddi Tournament
Sipat : On the occasion of National Sports Day, the Sansad Khel Mahotsav campaign was inaugurated at NTPC Sipation 29 August 2025. Under this campaign, the Inter-Village Kabaddi Toumament was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Tokhan Sahu, Hon’ ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India and Member of Parliament, Bilaspur, by lighting the torch. On this occasion, Shri Vijay Krishna. Pandey, Executive Director and Head of Project, NTPC Sipat, was present as the Special Guest.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion of Sports Day held on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the Hon ble Union Minister of State said that this Sansad Khel Mahotsav is not merely a competition but an opportunity to enhance leadership qualities, team spirit, skills and abilities among the youth. He emphasized that if the nation is to progress, the youth must remain healthy and fit, as sports form the foundation of nation-building.
Referring to Government of India initiatives such as Fit India and Khelo India, he said that as a result of these programmes, Indian sportspersons are today participating in Asian, Commonwealth and Olympic competitions in greater numbers and achieving success.
The Hon ble Union Minister of State also shared information about the Government-initiated campaign Sansad Khel Mahotsav and informed that the programme, which commenced on 29 August, will continue till 20 September during which sports registrations will be conducted, followed by various sports competitions to be organised from 21 September to 25 December. During the event, he interacted with players from all eight villages participating at NTPC Sipat and encouraged them to register and actively take part in this campaign.
After the inauguration ceremony, the Hon ble Union Minister of State administered the National Sports Day pledge to the participating players and spectators, which included the resolve to remain physically fit, mentally strong, and emotionally balanced.
A total of 96 players from eight teams representing the project-affected villages Rank, Sipat, Gatora, Karra, Deori, Kaudiya, Raliya, and Janji participated in the competition. The final match was played between Swami Vivekananda Club of Sipat and Shiv Shakti Club of Raliya. In the exciting game that continued till evening, Raliya defeated Sipat by 62-23 and secured the title.
The winning team Raliya and runner-up team Sipat were felicitated with trophies by the Project Head, Shri Pandey, who also extended congratulations. On this occasion, he stated that participation in sports and playing with true sportsmanship are of utmost importance. He expressed gratitude to the teams for participating and becoming a part of the Fit India Movement, and encouraged them to continue playing in the future.
He further added that traditional games like Kabaddi not only inculcate team spirit and discipline among rural youth but also promote health. He congratulated and expressed gratitude to NTPC Sipat for the successful and well-organized conduct of the competition.
The occasion was also graced by the presence of Shri Dr. Krishna Murti Bandhi, former Minister (Government of Chhattisgarh), District President, District Panchayat Members, District Members, Sarpanchs of various villages, public representatives, and media personnel. Along with them, all General Managers, senior officers, employees of NTPC Sipat, representatives of unions and associations, and members of the Sports Council were also present
The theme given for this event organized at NTPC Sipat was Khelhi Gaon, Badhhi Gaon” (The Village that Plays, Progresses).
