61ST ALL INDIA RAILWAY BALL BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP CONCLUDES AT GRAND NOTE
Southern Railway (SR) emerged victorious in the 61st All India Railway Ball Badminton Championship, securing the coveted championship trophy (2-0) after a closely contested and highly competitive tournament held at the Railway Ball Badminton Courts, Visakhapatnam.
South Coast Railway (SCoR) finished as the Runners-up, while Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai secured the Third position. The championship witnessed intense competition among the participating teams, with the final contest between South Coast Railway and Southern Railway turning into a thrilling battle for supremacy. Both teams displayed exceptional skill, determination and fighting spirit, keeping the competition closely contested for the championship trophy.
The three-day championship was organised by the South Coast Railway Sports Association (SCORSA), Visakhapatnam, from 20th to 22nd August 2026, with eight teams representing different Zonal Railways of Indian Railways participating in the prestigious tournament.
The concluding ceremony was graced by Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, South Coast Railway, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Pudi Hariprasad, President, South Coast Railway Sports Association (SCORSA), South Coast Railway; Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager, South Coast Railway, Visakhapatnam Division and President, SCORSA–Visakhapatnam Division; and Shri M. Haranath, Sports Officer, SCORSA–Visakhapatnam Division, were also present.
During the ceremony, the Star Player- Kalai Selvan; Best Player- Mr. Rajesh (Southern Railway) were announced. Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, SCoR, presented the championship trophy, runners-up trophy and other awards to the winning teams and outstanding performers.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, South Coast Railway, congratulated the players and teams for their outstanding performance and sportsman spirit. He said that South Coast Railway has immense potential in sporting talent and is equipped with world-class sports infrastructure across the Zone. He appreciated the dedication and competitive spirit displayed by all the participating teams and said that the championship provided a vibrant platform for railway sportspersons from across the country to showcase their talent, sporting skills and commitment to excellence.
General Manager further said that sporting events of this stature go beyond competition, as they promote fitness, discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and camaraderie among railway employees. Such championships provide a valuable platform for sportspersons from different Zonal Railways to interact, compete, and foster a strong sense of unity and team spirit. He also emphasized that active participation in sports contributes to a healthier and more energetic workforce, echoing the spirit of the Fit India Movement and encouraging railway employees to make fitness an integral part of their lives.
Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager, South Coast Railway, Visakhapatnam Division, congratulated the Southern Railway team on its impressive victory and appreciated the outstanding performances of all participating teams. He said that the championship provided an excellent platform for railway sportspersons to demonstrate their talent, dedication and competitive spirit. He also appreciated the efforts of the organisers, officials, coaches and support staff in successfully conducting the championship