The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, hosted the 53rd Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Memorial Tournament (SSBMT), First Zonal (Outdoor) 2026, from 23 to 26 October 2026. Organised by the CSIR-NPL Club under the aegis of the CSIR Sports Promotion Board (SPB), the tournament saw eight teams each in cricket and volleyball from different CSIR laboratories across the country, with 112 players in cricket and 64 in volleyball.
The inaugural function on 23 October was graced by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, as Chief Guest, along with Prof. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director, CSIR-CBRI, and President, CSIR Sports Promotion Board.
Addressing the gathering, the Director General said that physical and mental health are essential for everyone. She noted that employees of different cadres, including administrative, technical and scientific staff, were participating in the tournament, and even the Director of CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, was among the participants. Prof. Pradeep Kumar encouraged all participants to work on endurance, flexibility and strength, and to practise pranayama as part of a healthy lifestyle. During the function, the new SPB 2026 Guidelines were launched, and the tournament souvenir was released.
The valedictory function was held on 26 October 2026, with Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, as Chief Guest and Dr Anuradha Madhukar, Secretary, SPB, as Guest of Honour. Two teams each in cricket and volleyball qualified from this Zonal-I tournament. In cricket, CSIR-NIO, Goa, and CSIR-CEERI, Pilani, qualified, while in volleyball, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, and CSIR-CEERI, Pilani, qualified. Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam and Dr Anuradha congratulated the qualifying teams and wished them the best of luck in the upcoming games.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Neeraj Chaudhary.