The ICAR Zonal Sports Tournament for Eastern Zone–2025 (TEZ-2025) was ceremoniously concluded with a grand ceremony on 09th January 2026 marking the end of four days of intense competition and sportsmanship held at the Kalinga Stadiuum, Bhubaneswar organized by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar. A total of 722 competitors from 24 ICAR institutes located in east and northeast states of India participated in 39 different sports events in this four-day sports festival. The mega event and glittering function brought together athletes, spectators and supporters alike. Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice-Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The others who graced on this occasion were Dr. A Sarangi, Director, ICAR-IIWM, Bhubaneswar; Dr. P.K Dash, ADG, ICAR, New Delhi; Dr. R. P. Singh, Director, ICAR-NIFMD, Bhubaneswar and Dr. G. A. Kumar, Director, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack. Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar presided over the closing ceremony.
The Chief Guest and other dignitaries awarded trophies and certificates to the winners of various sport events. While addressing the august gathering, Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice-Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar remarked that sports and athletics play a vital role in inculcating discipline, leadership qualities, perseverance, and a strong sense of teamwork. He emphasized that participation in sports not only enhances physical fitness but also contributes significantly to mental well-being and emotional balance, thereby fostering holistic development among individuals. Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo, Director, ICAR–CIFA, congratulated all the participants for their enthusiastic participation and for contributing to the successful conduct of the ICAR Zonal Sports Tournament for Eastern Zone–2025. He emphasized that sports play a significant role in fostering discipline, cooperation, and a positive work culture. He further stressed the importance of maintaining team spirit both on and off the field, noting that the values imbibed through sports are essential for collective growth and organizational excellence.
ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack bagged the coveted Zonal Overall Championship Award among the participating institutes while the ICAR Headquaters, New Delhi became the Runners-up team in this sports meet. Shri Amit Kumar Das from ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack received the “Best Athlete” title in men category while Ms. Nupur Choudhary from the same institute received the “Best Athlete” title in the women’s category.
Dr. Padmanav Routray, Chairman, Organising Committee, TEZ-2025 welcomed the dignitaries and participants & presented the report of various events. Dr. N.K. Barik, Organising Secretary, TEZ-2025 proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a graceful cultural performance by the cultural troupe, highlighting rich artistic expressions and infusing the occasion with colour and vibrancy, guided by Dr. K.C. Das and Dr. P.K. Meher.