Agartala, Feb 22: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha today inaugurated the Tripura State Games 2026, highlighting the state government’s continuous efforts to improve sports infrastructure and promote sporting talent across the state.
The inaugural ceremony was organised by the Tripura Olympic Association. The Chief Minister formally declared the Games open by lighting the ceremonial torch and releasing balloons.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the state government has been taking several initiatives to strengthen the sports sector, with special emphasis on developing modern sports infrastructure. He noted that many advanced sports facilities have already been established in the state, creating new opportunities for nurturing sports talent.
He further stated that sports play a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on encouraging students and youth to actively participate in sports alongside academics. Various national programmes like ‘Khelo India’ are being organised with the vision of building a strong and united nation, he added.
The Chief Minister said that the Tripura State Games, being organised for the first time in the state, will provide a significant platform for young athletes to showcase their talent. He expressed hope that the initiative would promote a spirit of healthy competition, discipline, and skill development among participants.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, who was also present at the programme, said that the state has witnessed rapid development in sports infrastructure over the past five years. He highlighted that the government has been consistently working to improve the quality of sports and has been organising national-level competitions in the state.
He further informed that athletes from Tripura have won 22 medals at national-level competitions in the past one year, while around 100 medals have been secured over the last five years. The State Games have been organised to identify and nurture sporting talent, he said.
Approximately 3,000 participants from all eight districts of the state are taking part in the Tripura State Games 2026.
The inaugural programme also featured a colourful cultural performance, a band display by Assam Rifles personnel, a march-past by students, and the administration of the oath to participants.
Among others present at the event were Sabhadhipati of West Tripura Zilla Parishad, Biswajit Shil; Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder; MLA Meena Rani Sarkar; renowned gymnast and Padma Shri awardee Dipa Karmakar; Secretary of the Sports Department P. K. Chakraborty; District Magistrate of West Tripura Dr. Vishal Kumar; Assam Rifles DIG Brigadier Nishan Chandal; BSF Tripura Frontier IG Alok Kumar Chakraborty; Director of Sports L. Darlong; and officials of the Tripura Sports Council and Olympic Associations of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
The welcome address was delivered by President of Tripura Olympic Association, Ratan Saha, while the vote of thanks was proposed by General Secretary Sujit Roy.
