Why Were Tripura Players Denied Recognition and Opportunities Under the Previous Government?

Agartala, Aug 30 (NationPress) Tripura's Chief Minister Manik Saha stated on Saturday that despite the significant talent present in the state, athletes were deprived of both opportunities and respect by the preceding administration. During the state-level observance of National Sports Day 2025 at the Dasarath Dev State Sports Complex in Badharghat, the Chief Minister, while refraining from naming past governments, remarked that Tripura's athletes were not accorded the respect they deserved. He emphasized, “Since the BJP-led government took office in 2018, numerous initiatives have been introduced to support athletes, including the launch of the Chief Minister’s Sports Development Scheme.

Furthermore, he indicated that the government is investigating ways to provide job opportunities to athletes based on their accomplishments. Saha encouraged players to fully leverage the state's expanding sports infrastructure and motivated children to engage in sports alongside their education.

In celebrating the importance of this day, the Chief Minister pointed out that August 29, marking the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, is recognized as National Sports Day nationwide. He stated, “Major Dhyan Chand is a prime example of how commitment and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. His remarkable contributions to Indian hockey earned our nation international acclaim.”

Saha asserted that Tripura possesses an abundance of talent, with many young athletes excelling in gymnastics, athletics, swimming, and various other fields at both national and international levels. He stressed the need for players to train with diligence, confidence, and to optimally utilize the modern infrastructure being developed by the government.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the pivotal role of coaches in fostering talent, insisting that they must stay informed and adapt to innovative training techniques. “When a player achieves success, the coach deserves recognition as well,” he remarked.

Emphasizing the importance of discipline, Saha urged athletes to avoid distractions and concentrate on enhancing their physical and mental capabilities.

The event was graced by notable attendees including Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, West Tripura Zilla Parishad's acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, Secretary of Tripura Sports Council Sukanta Ghosh, Youth Affairs and Sports Department Secretary Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, Director L. Darlong, and gymnast and Padma Shri awardee Dipa Karmakar, among other dignitaries.