“Sports Infrastructure Is Being Developed Across Every District”: Manik Saha

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sahaon Tuesday reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure across the state, saying facilities are being modernised in every district and subdivision to encourage greater youth participation. Saha spoke during the Olympic Day celebrations in Agartala and mentioned many programs the state is rolling out to construct new avenues for athletes in addition to fostering mental and physical health through sports.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Olympic Day rally and walked from Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan with ministers and sports administrators.

Saha said the government is committed to providing better infrastructure for athletes and ensuring that young sportspersons have access to improved facilities.

“In the past, various sports committees in the state did not play the right role in the development of the state's sports infrastructure. Currently, sports infrastructure is being developed in every district and subdivision of the state,” he said.

“Various initiatives are being taken to help the children of the state progress in sports,” the Chief Minister added.

Saha, who addressed the audience following the rally, stated the need for sports in the lives of the youth for healthy physical and mental growth. He remarked that several athletes who were earlier unacknowledged are now being recognized and that several new indoor stadiums, tracks, and galleries are being named after sportspersons from Tripura.

“The current state government has named indoor stadiums, tracks, galleries and other facilities after former talented athletes of the state,” he said.

Saha went on to state that the functioning of the Tripura Olympic Association is now recognized by the Indian Olympic Association.

Sportscapefeels that investment in sports infrastructure is just one element of building a sports culture. Tripura's efforts of developing district level sports infrastructure, honoring unrecognized sportspersons and encouraging youth participation, aim to build a stronger grassroots ecosystem for the state. Converting the new infrastructure investments into consistent athletic progress and competitiveness will be a challenge Tripura has to address in the years to come.