Tripura CM calls for youth participation in sports, Major Dhyan Chand statue unveiled

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the state-level programme organised at Badharghat Sports Complex on Saturday to mark National Sports Day.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the state government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been working continuously to create more opportunities for athletes and strengthen sports infrastructure in Tripura.

He said a conducive and healthy environment has been created in the state for the development of talented sportspersons by keeping the sports sector free from political influence.

“Sports play an important role not only in physical development but also in building confidence, discipline and a sense of ethics among the youth,” the Chief Minister said. 

He added that the government has undertaken several initiatives to help talented athletes from Tripura excel at national and international levels.

Dr. Saha urged the youth to participate more actively in sports and highlighted the crucial role of sports in building a healthy, fit and strong society.

As part of the National Sports Day programme, the Chief Minister paid tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, and unveiled his statue at the Badharghat Sports Complex.

The presence of Major Dhyan Chand’s son, Olympian and Arjuna Award-winning hockey player Ashok Kumar, added further significance to the event. His participation also inspired young athletes and sports enthusiasts attending the programme.

The Chief Minister said Tripura’s youth must move forward through sports and reiterated the government’s commitment to taking the state’s sports sector to greater heights by providing talented athletes with proper training, opportunities and infrastructure.

Sports Minister Tinku Roy said 16 synthetic turf football grounds have been developed at different locations across the state, while another 20 natural-grass football grounds have also been created.

He said youth hostels, indoor halls and sports hostels are also being constructed at several locations to strengthen sports infrastructure.

Roy further said approval has been granted for setting up a dedicated gymnastics coaching centre in the state and the tendering process has already been completed. Construction work is expected to begin after the monsoon.

The Sports Minister said, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha had proposed setting up a gymnastics academy in Tripura during a meeting with the Ministry of DoNER and had also written to the Prime Minister in this regard.

“Communication has been received from the Prime Minister’s Office stating that appropriate steps will be taken in the matter,” Roy said.

MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, officials of the state Sports Department, representatives of various sports organisations, eminent sportspersons, coaches, athletes, sports enthusiasts and other dignitaries were present at the programme.