Tripura's sports framework is setting example across country: CM
AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha reiterated Tripura government's commitment to advancing sports by enhancing the state's infrastructure to meet international standards and offering training, facilities and financial aid to talented athletes. Speaking at the National Sports Day celebration at Dashrath Dev State Sports Complex here Saturday, he highlighted the significance of promoting a healthy, disciplined and drug-free society through sports.
Dr Saha stated that Tripura's sports framework is setting an example across northeast and the country, reflecting the government's vision of sports as a critical avenue for physical and mental development, discipline and youth empowerment.
The Chief Minister unveiled the full-figured statue of Major Dhyan Chand at the sports complex. He paid homage to Major Dhyan Chand, acknowledging his contributions to Indian field hockey despite limited resources.
He announced the decision to honour local sports personalities by naming various infrastructures after them.
- The synthetic athletic track in Badharghat after Debabhakti Jamatia
- The hockey ground after Swadeshpriya Nandi
- An athletic field in Khowai after Pratul Bhattacharya
- A synthetic track in Panisagar after Dr Arunabha Roy
- An indoor hall in Dharmanagar after Gauri Shekhar Roy
- A sports hostel in Ambassa after Madhusudan Saha
Dr Saha stressed that the government will evaluate players based on merit rather than political affiliations, detailing improvements in sports facilities, including new synthetic football turfs and ongoing construction of an international-standard cricket stadium in Narsinghgarh, a gallery at Badarghat with a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 and modern hostels across multiple locations.
The state government has established financial incentives for players achieving success on national and international platforms, recognising sports as essential not only for physical fitness but also for cultivating character and discipline. He urged the youth to engage in sports, read extensively and avoid drugs.