Tripura, 25 Dec 2025: Stressing that sports are essential for the healthy development of both body and mind, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday inaugurated the Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025 at the Dasarath Deb Sports Complex in Agartala.
The Chief Minister said that remaining connected with sports helps develop positive thinking, reduces mental stress, and plays a vital role in shaping creativity and discipline among children. He emphasised that guardians should encourage their children not only in academics but also to actively participate in sports from an early age.
Dr. Saha stated that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav is being organised under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the objective of connecting children and youth from every state with sports and creating opportunities for their overall development. He said the initiative aims to strengthen mental growth, foster patriotism, and promote physical fitness among students and young people across the country.
Before the formal inauguration, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries listened to the Prime Minister’s address and paid floral tributes to his portrait as a mark of respect.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said that the Sansad Khel Mahotsav serves as a platform to connect children from every corner of the country with sports, ensuring that even boys and girls from remote villages and hilly regions get opportunities to showcase their talent. He expressed hope that the initiative would play a significant role in reviving traditional sports that had been gradually fading and make them popular again among the new generation.
Speaking on the occasion, Member of Parliament Biplab Kumar Deb said children should be associated with sports from a very young age to develop the right mindset needed to contribute positively to society.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy stated that the present state government has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen sports infrastructure. He informed that eight synthetic turf grounds have already been constructed in Tripura and work on 40 new grass football grounds has been completed. He also elaborated on various ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at further improving sports facilities across the state.
Among those present at the programme were Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, West Tripura Zilla Parishad Vice-Chairperson Bishwajit Shil, MLA Minarani Sarkar, Agartala Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Manika Das Datta, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, and officials from the Youth Affairs and Sports Department.
Later, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the Sansad Khel Mahotsav by ceremonially kicking a football and flagged off football and other sporting competitions under the festival.
