Agartala, July 7: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha today said that the youth of the state are showing increased interest in sports compared to the past, which has been made possible due to the state government’s focused efforts to improve sports infrastructure. He made the remarks while interacting with journalists during the prize distribution ceremony of the Hotel Sonartari B-Division Football League 2025–26 held at Umakanta Stadium.
The football league, which began on June 8, concluded today with Shantipara’s Ektatan Yuba Sangstha emerging as the undefeated champions, while Birendra Club finished as runners-up. The Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, presented trophies and cash prize cheques to the winning teams.
In the final match of the league played today, Birendra Club and Nabodaya Sangha played to a goalless draw. The tournament was supported by the Tripura Football Association.
During the media interaction, the Chief Minister reiterated that from the very beginning, the present state government has remained committed to developing sports infrastructure across Tripura.
He emphasized that the more youth engage in sports, the better they can be shielded from harmful habits such as substance abuse. “Only then can we truly achieve the vision of ‘Ek Tripura, Shreshtha Tripura’ (One Tripura, Best Tripura),” he stated.
Dr. Saha congratulated all participating teams and expressed hope that their future performances would be even better.
Also present at the prize distribution event were Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC) Chairman Nabadal Banik, Tripura Olympic Association Chairman Ratan Saha, Tripura Football Association President Pranab Sarkar, Vice President Rupak Saha, and other officials.
