Tripura CM Manik Saha announces the state's sports development vision in the inaugural of its first state games
Manik Saha inaugurated Tripura’s first-ever State Games at the Dasarath Deb State Sports Complex, unveiling a comprehensive vision to strengthen grassroots sports and youth participation.
India's third smallest state is all set to start a homegrown games revolution, as it inaugurates its first ever state games in line with Centre's recent push to decentralize sports development from traditional metros to grassroot levels. IOA's Tripura counterpart, the Tripura Olympic association has organised its first ever Multi sports State games in its capital city's Dasarath Deb State Sports Complex. This developmental leap was inaugurated by CM Manik Saha on 22 February as he announced the government's vision of inculcating a high sports participation culture for utilising its rich demographic youth dividend to its zenith by prioritising sports infrastructure.
Glad to inaugurate the 1st Tripura State Games at Dasarath Deb State Sports Complex, Badharghat, Agartala today.
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) February 22, 2026
This event is a vibrant platform for young talent to showcase their skills, strengthen the spirit of healthy competition, and inspire a culture of fitness and… pic.twitter.com/QD8T7vxTtg
“Among these, the highest priority has been accorded to the development of modern sports infrastructure. Many advanced sports facilities have already been developed, creating new opportunities for nurturing sports talent,” - CM Manik Saha
Highlights of the event
The inaugural event was graced by the presence of dignitaries like renowned gymnast Dipa Karmakar, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and BJP MLA Dipak Majumdar along with Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Bishwajit Shil, and State Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy. The games shall be conducted over a varied discipline of 18 categories including Olympic style sports, team and strength based sports. This occasion is noteworthy because it brings Tripura in coherence with the Center's Khelo India vision, which is mirrored in the state's increased emphasis on sports facilities, such as the newly constructed first international stadium in Narsinghpur.
Center's vision for the north eastern sports development
High ROI from lower infrastructure saturation and integration of the border region through sports diplomacy are among other reasons for the centre's interest in promoting north eastern sports potential. Dr. Mandaviya in PIB 2025 clearly states the initiatives taken by the centre for fruiting the aforesaid vision-
- Khelo India Northeast Games to be held every year for talent nurturing and showcasing native sports
- Itanagar, Guwahati, and Imphal have begrounded three National Centres for excellence training 600 athletes
- SAI shall aid in acquisition of talent through the NSRS portal where videos of exceptional talent may be uploaded by anyone.
These initiatives have already had success backed by evidential data of 13000 girls participation in ASMITA League.