PNS
BOKARO
Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) Director In-Charge on Wednesday inaugurated the Peter Thangaraj Memorial Rural Youth Football Championship 2026-27, reaffirming the plant’s commitment to nurturing grassroots football and engaging rural youth through sports.
Organised by BSL’s Sports and Civic Amenities Department, the championship is being held from July 29 to August 2 to promote sportsmanship, strengthen community participation and provide a platform for emerging football talent from Bokaro’s peripheral villages.
The tournament honours late Peter Thangaraj—a former BSL employee (1976–1997), Arjuna Awardee, Olympian and the Best Goalkeeper in Asia (1958). Eight teams—Bharra XI, Tupkadih, Partand, Jhopro, Narkara, Radhanagar, Shibutand and SAIL Football Academy—are competing in the championship.
In the opening quarter-final matches, Bharra defeated Narkara 2-1, SAIL Football Academy outclassed Tupkadih 9-0, Partand beat Jhopro 2-0, while Radhanagar overcame Shibutand 2-1. The semi-finals will be played on July 31, followed by the title clash on August 1.
