Agartala 16 December, 2024: The state-level ‘Khelo Tripura Para Games’ will be held on December 18-19, 2024, at Swami Vivekananda Maidan. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy announced this at a press conference held at the Secretariat today. He stated that the event, organized as part of the 2024 Divyangjan Day celebrations, is a unique initiative to encourage persons with disabilities to participate in sports. Jointly organized by the Department of Social Welfare & Social Education and the Youth Affairs & Sports Department, the Para Games will witness participants from all districts of the state.
The Minister emphasized that as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the state government is committed to ensuring active participation of Divyangjan in sports. The Khelo Tripura Para Games, 2024, aims to set a remarkable example in this regard.
Participation and Events :
Minister Tinku Roy mentioned that around 343 Divyangjan athletes from the state’s eight districts will participate in the games. A total of 14 events have been planned, including:
• Cricket for visually impaired players (North Zone team vs. South Zone team).
• Football (North Zone vs. South Zone).
• Wheelchair races (male and female).
• Shot put, 50-meter sprint, long jump, chess, carrom, ring throw, musical ball (men), and musical chair (women).
• Other events include standing board jump, tug-of-war, and bocce for both men and women.
North and South Zone Teams :
The North Zone team comprises players from North Tripura, Unakoti, Dhalai, and Khowai districts, while the South Zone team includes players from West Tripura, Sepahijala, Gomati, and South Tripura districts.
Additional Activities :
The Minister announced the setting up of 50 exhibition stalls at Swami Vivekananda Maidan, showcasing the developmental work of various departments. Through the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, mobility aids like wheelchairs will be distributed to Divyangjan. Additionally, a medical camp will be organized to provide healthcare services to participants.
Welfare Initiatives for Divyangjan :
Minister Tinku Roy also revealed that Divyangjan individuals (60% disability and above) who are yet to receive social pensions will be provided with one during the event. A special stall will process applications, and two eligible individuals will receive pensions on the spot. The government plans to extend pensions to 2,779 new beneficiaries.
Awards and Recognitions :
• Five meritorious Divyangjan students who passed the secondary exams will receive ₹24,000 each.
• Five students excelling in higher secondary exams will receive ₹54,000 each under the Chief Minister’s Divyangjan Meritorious Award.
Launch of UDID Cards and State Policy :
The event will also witness the distribution of Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards, which will provide Divyangjan individuals access to facilities across India. Additionally, the Tripura State Policy for Empowerment of Divyangjan, 2024 will be launched to ensure their overall welfare and improved quality of life.
Youth Affairs and Sports Department Director Satyabrata Nath and Additional Director of Social Welfare and Social Education Department L. Rakhal were also present at the press conference.
