Kolkata, July 27 (IANS) West Bengal got a modern badminton facility on Monday, thanks to Eastern Railway (ER). The “Dipu Ghosh Krida Sadan” was inaugurated at the Carriage & Wagon (C&W) Workshop in Liluah, Howrah, by ER General Manager Milind Deouskar.
He was accompanied by his wife and president of the ER Women’s Welfare Organisation, Seema Deouskar.
The facility has been named after legendary badminton player Dipu Ghosh, who played for ER and brought laurels to the country. Ghosh, now 84, was a seven-time national champion, five of those titles in doubles alongside his brother Raman Ghosh. The Ghosh brothers reached every doubles final between 1963 and 1970 and performed extremely well in the Thomas Cup.
Dipu Ghosh served with ER throughout his career until 1973. He later coached the Iranian side for the 1974 Asian Games and the Indian side before the 1982 Asiad in New Delhi. He sought voluntary retirement from the railways in 1990. Naming the facility after him is seen as a fitting tribute to ignite dedication, discipline and sportsmanship across generations of railway sportspersons, ER said.
Built to international standards, the new complex features a professional playing surface, an advanced lighting system, modern amenities, and aesthetically designed interiors tailored for recreational play, professional coaching, and competitive matches.
“True to ER’s vision of equal opportunity, the facility is uniquely equipped with special assistive devices and accessible features, empowering differently abled persons (Divyangjans) to play with total confidence and dignity,” a senior official said.
In his address, Deouskar emphasised that sports are an essential pillar of employee welfare and organisational excellence, enhancing physical fitness, mental well-being, teamwork and overall productivity.
Praising CWM Shri Yatish Kumar and the Liluah Workshop team for their leadership, the GM highlighted that investing in quality welfare facilities boosts employee morale and builds a highly motivated workforce.
“The commissioning of Dipu Ghosh Krida Sadan stands as a monumental step in our commitment to employee well-being, fostering a vibrant sports culture while ensuring that every member of the Eastern Railway family, including women, youth and Divyangjans, has access to world-class, inclusive opportunities,” Shibram Majhi, CPRO, ER, said.
–IANS
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