Agartala, February 17: The Tripura Olympic Association is set to host the first-ever Tripura State Games from February 22 to 24, marking a historic moment in the state’s sporting landscape. The competitions will be held across various locations in Tripura, featuring 18 disciplines.
A press conference was organized at the NSRCC auditorium in Agartala, where Tournament Director Ratan Saha and other members of the organizing committee shared details of the upcoming mega sporting event.
Officials described February 22 as a historic day for sports in Tripura, with nearly 3,000 sportspersons expected to participate in the Games. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at Badharghat Stadium at 2 PM, and Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha has been invited to inaugurate the event. The state’s Sports Minister Tinku Roy has already confirmed his presence.
Several distinguished guests are also expected to attend, including John F. Kharshing, Working President of the Meghalaya Olympic Association and Secretary of the North East Olympic Association. Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha, currently in Berlin for a Special Olympics event, is likely to send a message of goodwill. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has also been invited.
The 18 events will be conducted across four districts of Tripura. Kho-Kho will be held in Dharmanagar (North Tripura), football in Belonia (South Tripura), and kabaddi in Gomati district. The remaining 15 disciplines will be hosted in West Tripura district.
At NSRCC, events such as judo, table tennis, boxing, basketball, badminton, and gymnastics will take place. Weightlifting will be held at Khelestila, while tennis matches will be conducted at the State Tennis Complex in Malancha Niwas. Squash will be hosted at Assam Rifles facilities, and golf at BSF grounds in Salbagan. Badharghat Stadium will host hockey, athletics, handball, and volleyball events.
A strong organizing committee has been formed to ensure the successful conduct of the Games. Chief Minister Manik Saha has been appointed as Patron-in-Chief, while Sports Minister Tinku Roy is serving as Chairman. Industrialist Ratan Saha has been designated as Tournament Director, with senior sports officials coordinating various aspects of the event.
The organizers emphasized that the State Games aim to identify and nurture sporting talent in Tripura, with the long-term vision of preparing athletes for national and international competitions, including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Despite logistical challenges in accommodating a large number of participants and visiting dignitaries, arrangements have been made to ensure proper accommodation and facilities for all athletes.
The Tripura Olympic Association has invited the people of the state to witness the grand opening ceremony and support the athletes, expressing hope that the event will usher in a new era of sports development in Tripura.
