The ICAR Zonal Sports Tournament for Eastern Zone–2025 (TEZ-2025) was ceremoniously inaugurated on 6 January 2026 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, marking the beginning of a four-day celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and athletic excellence. The tournament is being hosted by the ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR–CIFA), Bhubaneswar.
The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General, ICAR, New Delhi as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, Dr. M. L. Jat highlighted the vital role of sports and physical activities in nurturing discipline, teamwork, perseverance and physical fitness among ICAR personnel. He emphasized that regular participation in sports not only enhances physical health but also contributes significantly to mental well-being, personality development and improved work efficiency, thereby fostering a positive and vibrant organizational culture within ICAR.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science and Agricultural Education), ICAR; Dr. A.K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR and Sri Bijaya Kumar Swain, OAS (SAG), Addl Secretary, Sport and Youth Services Dept, Govt. of Odisha. Directors, scientists, other staff members from ICAR institutions, and sports officials also attended the event.
Dr. J. K. Jena, in his address, underscored the importance of sporting events in strengthening camaraderie and mutual understanding among ICAR institutions, while encouraging participants to uphold the spirit of fair play and healthy competition. Dr. A.K. Nayak and Sri Bijaya Kumar Swain also spoke on this occasion. Earlier Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo, Director, ICAR–CIFA, in his introductory remarks reiterated the institute’s commitment to promoting sports as an integral component of a balanced and productive professional life. Dr. Padmanav Routray, Chairman, Organising Committee, TEZ-2025 welcomed the dignitaries and participants.
The inaugural ceremony featured an impressive march past by contingents from 24 ICAR institutions, the athletes’ oath and the lighting of the ceremonial torch, symbolizing unity, integrity and the true spirit of sportsmanship. The tournament is witnessing the participation of 720 sportspersons, competing in 39 sporting events across various disciplines from 6 to 9 January 2026. Dr. N.K. Barik, Organising Secretary, TEZ-2025 proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural ceremony concluded with an elegant cultural performance by the cultural troupe LASYA KALA, led by Sri Saswat Joshi, which showcased rich artistic expressions and added colour and vibrancy to the occasion. The ICAR Sports Tournament for Eastern Zone–2025 is expected to further strengthen inter-institutional bonding and promote a culture of fitness and excellence within the ICAR fraternity.