Tripura Sports Infrastructure To Get Major Boost: CM Saha
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
- Aug 29, 2026
- 129
Tripura is stepping up its sports development programme with a focus on international-standard infrastructure, advanced training opportunities and financial assistance for promising athletes, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha said on National Sports Day.
Addressing the state-level National Sports Day programme at the Dashrath Dev State Sports Complex in Badarghat on Saturday, August 29, the Chief Minister said sports development is being treated as an important component of youth development and the creation of a healthy, disciplined and drug-free society.
CM Saha Highlights Tripura's Sports Development
Saha said Tripura's sporting infrastructure is expanding rapidly and the state is working to create facilities capable of supporting athletes at national and international levels.
He said the government's approach goes beyond organising competitions. According to the Chief Minister, sports can contribute substantially to physical fitness, mental development, discipline and character building among young people.
The programme was organised to mark National Sports Day, observed every year on the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
Remembering the hockey icon, Saha said Dhyan Chand's dedication, perseverance and achievements helped establish India's reputation in international hockey despite the limited opportunities available during his career.
The Chief Minister said the legendary player's life continues to serve as an example for emerging athletes.
Tripura Names Sports Facilities After Sporting Icons
The state government has also taken steps to honour sportspersons and coaches who have contributed to Tripura's sporting achievements.
The synthetic athletics track at Badarghat has been named after celebrated athlete Debabhakti Jamatia, while the hockey ground has been dedicated to renowned coach Swadeshpriya Nandi.
A sports field in Khowai has been named after Pratul Bhattacharya. The synthetic athletics track at Panisagar carries the name of national athletics coach Dr. Arunath Roy.
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The indoor hall at Dharmanagar has been named after badminton player Gauri Shekhar Roy, while the sports hostel at Ambassa has been named after gymnast Madhusudan Saha.
Saha said athletes should be assessed according to their sporting achievements rather than political considerations. He added that talented players from the state are being recognised and supported to pursue higher levels of competition.
Major Sports Infrastructure Projects Underway
The Chief Minister highlighted several ongoing and completed projects aimed at strengthening Tripura's sports ecosystem.
Synthetic football turfs have been established at different locations, while modern floodlighting has been installed at the Umakant Academy ground.
Construction of the international-standard cricket stadium at Narsinghgarh is also underway. The government has additionally planned a gallery at Badarghat with seating for around 30,000 spectators.
Modern sports hostels and youth hostels are being developed at Badarghat, Kailashahar and Udaipur.
The developments are part of the government's broader objective of creating facilities suitable for hosting major sporting events in Tripura.
Financial Support For Tripura Athletes
Saha said the government has introduced financial incentives to encourage athletes who achieve success at national and international competitions.
He referred to the recognition recently given to Tripura's Commonwealth Games judo champion Asmita Dey, who was provided financial assistance and land by the state government.
The Chief Minister said Dey's achievement is particularly inspiring because she reached the international stage despite financial constraints.
He described her success as an example of the determination and potential of Tripura's young athletes.
CM Urges Youth To Stay Away From Drugs
Saha called upon young people to remain away from drugs and make sports, education and reading part of their daily lives.
He said sports contribute not only to physical fitness but also to mental strength, discipline and character.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that encouraging young people to follow the principle of a "healthy body, healthy mind" would help Tripura build a stronger and drug-free society.
He said the government is continuing efforts to bring young people from all parts of the state into sporting activities.
Sports Minister Details New Initiatives
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy said the state's sports infrastructure has undergone significant expansion during the present government's tenure.
He said synthetic football turfs have been developed at several locations, while projects are also progressing for natural-grass grounds, indoor halls, volleyball courts, tennis facilities and badminton halls.
Roy said several government initiatives have been introduced to identify talented athletes and provide them with financial and developmental support.
These include the Chief Minister's Development Scheme, Chief Minister's Talent Award and Chief Minister's Talent Search Scheme.
Financial assistance is also being extended to athletes competing at the national level. Players travelling outside Tripura for specialised training are being provided necessary support, he said.
Dedicated Gymnastics Hall And Academy Planned
Roy said the government has moved forward with plans for a dedicated gymnastics facility following a long-standing demand from athletes and coaches.
Administrative approval and the tender process for construction of a separate gymnastics hall have been completed, he said.
Steps have also been initiated to establish a national-standard gymnastics academy in Tripura.
Major Dhyan Chand Statue Unveiled
A major highlight of the National Sports Day programme was the unveiling of a statue of Major Dhyan Chand at the Dashrath Dev State Sports Complex.
The statue was unveiled by Chief Minister Manik Saha, following which dignitaries paid tribute to the legendary hockey player.
Major Dhyan Chand's son, Olympian and Arjuna Award winner Ashok Kumar Singh, attended the programme and recalled his father's contribution to Indian hockey and his commitment to the nation.
He urged young athletes in Tripura to pursue Olympic success through consistent training, discipline and dedication.
Ashok Kumar Singh also praised the state's growing sports infrastructure and expressed hope that the improved facilities would help Tripura produce more Olympians.
Athletes And Coaches Felicitated
Outstanding players and coaches who brought recognition to Tripura at national and international competitions during the 2025-26 financial year were felicitated during the programme.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Ashok Kumar Singh and other dignitaries presented honourariums and cash-award cheques to the selected athletes and coaches.
MLA Meena Rani Sarkar, Arjuna Award-winning gymnast Montu Debnath, Youth Affairs and Sports Department Secretary Tapas Roy and Sports Director L. Darlong were among those present.
CM Interacts With Players
After the programme, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries visited the synthetic hockey facility and the Debabhakti Jamatia synthetic athletics track located at the sports complex.
Saha interacted with athletes during their training sessions, shook hands with players and encouraged them to continue working towards greater achievements.
The government, he said, remains committed to creating an environment in which talented sportspersons from every part of Tripura can receive proper training, facilities and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
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