CSIR-NAL secures double win at memorial tourney

The 52nd Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Memorial Tournament (SSBMT) concluded recently, featuring an exciting outdoor sports extravaganza. As many as 16 CSIR laboratories from India participated in cricket and volleyball, with a total of 20 league matches in each sport, followed by semifinals and finals. Additionally, a women's cricket match between was played.

CSIR-NAL emerged victorious, winning both cricket and volleyball finals against CSIR-IICT Hyderabad and CSIR-CEERI Pilani, respectively. Their consistent performance earned them the winner's trophies.

Venu (CSIR-NAL) won the cricket's player of the match, while Meghanath (CSIR-IICT) was adjudged player of the tournament. In volleyball, Raghav and Swaroop Bagh (both CSIR-NAL) were named player of the match and player of the tournament, respectively.

The winner and runner-up trophies were presented by guests of honour Netra Meti, SDM, Palampur, and Shalini Agnihotri, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Kangra.

Meti praised the institute for hosting the event, emphasising the value of sports in promoting physical endurance and mental agility. Agnihotri highlighted the role of sports in team building and discipline, congratulating the participants on their dedication and sportsmanship.

The CSIR Sports Promotion Board commended CSIR-IHBT for organising the tournament, appreciating the teams' spirit and motivation. Earlier, Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude for their disciplined participation.