Agartala 18 September, 2024: In a bid to decentralize sports events from urban areas, rural regions of Tripura are now witnessing the hosting of significant state-level competitions. Addressing the issue of inadequate infrastructure in villages, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy said, “We have successfully extended state-level sports events to rural areas. This aims not only to promote sports but also to resolve the infrastructural challenges in these regions.”
The minister was speaking at the inauguration of the 2024-25 Under-17 Boys and Girls State Kho-Kho Championship, organized by the Tripura School Sports Board, at the Bhadrapalli Higher Secondary School Ground, Kailashahar. He also hoisted the flag of the Tripura School Sports Board, marking the beginning of the three-day state-level event, along with the flags of the eight districts.
In his speech, Minister Roy emphasized the state government’s efforts to improve sports infrastructure in rural areas under the Chief Minister’s Sports Development Scheme. “Several playgrounds in rural regions have been developed. The Bhadrapalli school ground is also set to be upgraded into a synthetic hockey field. Plans are in place to convert the nearby Manu Valley Football Ground into a synthetic football field,” he said.
The minister also announced cash rewards for state athletes who win medals in national-level competitions. Gold medalists will receive ₹1 lakh, silver medalists ₹50,000, and bronze medalists ₹25,000. “Tripura has made significant progress in sports infrastructure development, which has enabled many athletes from the state to excel at national and international levels,” he added.
Unakoti Zilla Parishad Chairman Amolendu Das, who was also present at the event, stressed the importance of sports in physical and mental development. He praised the state government’s initiative of providing sports equipment to clubs, helping to encourage youth participation.
Other dignitaries, including Kailashahar Municipality Chairperson Chapala Debroy, Unakoti District Magistrate Dilip Kumar Chakma, and Chandipur Panchayat Samiti Chairman Sampa Das Pal, also addressed the gathering. The event was chaired by the Assistant Director of the Unakoti District Youth Affairs and Sports Office, Amit Kumar Yadav.
The competitions for boys and girls will commence from tomorrow. This effort reflects the state government’s strong commitment to improving sports facilities across Tripura, with a focus on both urban and rural areas.
