Tripura, December 10: Chairman of the AARC, Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), Royal Scion Pradyot Bikram Kishore Debbarma, on Wednesday inaugurated a synthetic football ground and laid the foundation stone of a Sports School at South Padmabil ADC Village under Padmabil block, marking a major step towards sports infrastructure development in the region.
The programme began at Lankapura Kami, South Padmabil ADC Village, where the royal scion laid the foundation stone of the Maharaja Kirit Bikram Sports School by unveiling a plaque. The sports school is being developed on around 6.5 kani of land and will include a school building, hostel, staff quarters and playgrounds. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹8 crore.
Later, Pradyot Bikram Kishore Debbarma inaugurated a synthetic football ground constructed at a cost of ₹4.25 crore.
The programmes were attended by local MLA Ranjit Debbarma, Executive Member (Sports & Youth Affairs) Sohel Debbarma, Executive Member (PWD & Drinking Water) Ronyal Debbarma, along with other ADC leaders, officials and local residents.
Speaking to the media, Royal Pradyot Bikram Kishore Debbarma said the Sports School is being set up to ensure the overall development of students by promoting sports alongside academics. He added that similar initiatives have already been taken, including the construction of a synthetic football ground at Baijalbari under South Ramchandraghat ADC Village.
Highlighting the importance of sports, he said that sports and physical fitness play a vital role in building a drug-free Tripura. “Such initiatives not only help the state but also contribute to national development,” he said, adding that if given more opportunities, he would be keen to take up many more developmental works.
Sharing his vision, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma said, “When people gather here in the evenings to play football, even with tired eyes, it sends a positive message. We will also install floodlights so that youth can play in the evenings. This is a full-size astroturf football ground, and I want such facilities not only in Agartala or Khumulwng but in different parts of Tripura.”
He stressed that Tripura has immense sporting talent, but often lacks proper grounds and opportunities. “This project gives our youth a chance to become better footballers. Sports can also become a career option,” he said, expressing happiness over the completion of the Baijalbari ground.
The TTAADC Chairman further said similar sports infrastructure should be developed in Kanchanpur, Killa, Mungiakami, Ambassa and every district of Tripura, so that youth can remain mentally and physically fit, leading to a stronger and healthier Tripura.
He also recalled that the area was once covered with forest, but due to consistent efforts—especially by the local MLA—roads and sports infrastructure have now been developed, opening new opportunities for the youth and ensuring a brighter future for the region.
